State of the World from NPR cover image

State of the World from NPR

Ireland Weighs a Boycott

Feb 18, 2025
Ireland is considering a groundbreaking move to boycott trade with Israeli settlements, potentially becoming the first Western nation to do so. This bold step echoes historic activists like Mary Manning, who fought against apartheid through grassroots efforts. The discussion explores the evolution of boycotts in Ireland, linking past struggles against South African apartheid to current debates on social justice. The proposed boycott raises complex political concerns, particularly regarding EU trade laws and potential U.S. reactions.
08:22

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Quick takeaways

  • Ireland's proposed ban on trade with Israeli settlements reflects a significant shift in public sentiment, with 71% support viewing Israel as an apartheid state.
  • The bill draws on historical activism, paralleling Ireland's past boycott of South African goods, aiming to hold Israel accountable while risking diplomatic tensions.

Deep dives

Ireland's Potential Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements

Ireland is on the verge of implementing a landmark bill that would ban trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, making it the first country in the Western world to take such a step. This proposed legislation is fueled by a significant shift in public sentiment, with a recent poll indicating that 71% of the Irish population perceives Israel as an apartheid state. The bill has historical resonance, drawing parallels to Ireland's boycott of South African goods during apartheid, which ultimately led to a national ban on these imports. This current movement, inspired by past activism, seeks to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the region and represents a broader pro-Palestinian stance within Ireland's political landscape.

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