The Delegitimization of Israel: Diplomatic Warfare, Sanctions, and Lawfare

States have faced, and continue to face, military threats to their security from inter- and intra-state forces, as well as non-state actors. In recent years, new threats have emerged, including delegitimization, diplomatic warfare, boycotts and sanctions, and "lawfare." Delegitimization and diplomatic warfare campaigns are organized efforts to sway public opinion and national policy, and are aimed at making it difficult for nations to pursue their interests. Such tactics attempt to decrease the target nation's ability to wield diplomatic and military power successfully, limit the nation's ability to have its voice heard, and even make the nation's right to exist appear illegitimate. The tools used to accomplish this include condemnation in international fora, attempts to undermine the nation's bilateral relations with other nations, and the use of the media and public events to spread negative impressions of the nation. The end goal is to compel the nation to change policies or make it a pariah, thus undermining its ability to prosper or even survive. Efforts to impose boycotts and sanctions, as well as the use of international law, serve as useful tools in that quest....

Continue reading (log in may be required): http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/23739770.2015.1015095?journalCode=rifa20#.VPnsBswo6ot