– Missouri utilizes its economic influence to deter businesses from supporting boycotts against Israel.
– The anti-boycott clause is a standard feature in the contracts the state signs with commercial entities.
– At least 36 states follow a similar approach.
– The move is specifically aimed at countering BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) activities.
Missouri Leverages Economic Influence Against Israel Divestment
An Anti-Boycott Clause: A Standard In Missouri’s Contracts
In a subtle yet strategic show of geopolitical loyalty, Missouri makes a clear statement every time it signs a business contract – ‘We stand with Israel’. How does Missouri voice its viewpoint so clearly? By embedding an anti-boycott clause in every major contract signed with businesses.
Severing ties with, or sanctioning Israeli companies, commonly known as BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions), is a grey area businesses entering a contract with Missouri must avoid. The clause, save for some minuscule enterprises, mandates companies to eschew any involvement in BDS-like activities.
Carrying Lucrative Luggage: The Power of Economic Influence
Manifolding Missouri’s support for Israel, at least 36 other states follow a similar path, leveraging their economic prowess to sway businesses away from engaging in BDS activities. The very existence of such clauses in state contracts is a testament to the significance of economic pressure emanating from U.S. states in globally contentious agendum like the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Breezy Take
When it comes to international diplomacy, actions often speak louder than words. Missouri, along with at least 36 other states, is sending a clear message on its stance towards Israel by weaving an anti-BDS clause into its contracts. This powerful form of silent diplomacy leverages economic influence rather than political rhetoric to assert its position. Therefore, businesses keen on penning deals with these states need to bear in mind that their economic ambitions intermediate international ramifications as well.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/03/missouri-uses-power-of-the-pocketbook-to-prevent-divestment-in-israel/