Economic Peace: An Evolving Concept in the Context of the Palestinian – Israeli Conflict رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of economic peace in the Palestinian-Israeli context and its relationship to political peace. Against the longstanding and complex conflict between Palestine and Israel, economic peace has emerged as a unique approach with distinct characteristics. Unlike traditional models and frameworks, economic peace in this context was devised as an alternative to political peace, depriving the Palestinians of the opportunity to develop their national economy and pursue independent statehood. This research combines secondary and primary data sources through a qualitative analytical methodology. A comprehensive literature review draws upon secondary resources such as previous studies, books, journals, websites, and reports. Additionally, primary resources are gathered through interviews with diverse stakeholders representing different sectors of Palestinian society. These stakeholders include officials, private sector representatives, civil society members, experts, academics, and direct beneficiaries. By capturing numerous perspectives, the interviews provide valuable insights into the implications of economic peace. The findings shed light on Israel's opposition to economic peace and the challenges encountered in realizing it within the Palestinian context. Moreover, the study examines the role of foreign aid and its impact on the Palestinian economy while uncovering the complicity of certain actors, notably the United States, in supporting Israeli designs. This thesis, employing an analytical-qualitative methodology, utilizes various research tools, including literature analysis and interviews. By doing so, it aims to contribute significant insights into the concept of economic peace and its complexities within the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Potential obstacles, such as limited academic material, the VI need for data verification, and the sensitive political nature of the topic, are acknowledged and carefully navigated throughout the research process. Foreign aid was initially intended to facilitate the development of the Palestinians' national economy and the establishment of their state institutions, laying the foundation for future independence. However, Israeli rejection and obstinacy have compelled donor countries to yield to Israeli ambitions, resulting in the subjugation of the Palestinian economy to Israeli political schemes. Consequently, the economy has become reliant on consumerism and weakened its autonomy. Notably, through its economic aid proposals and plans, the United States has been complicit in supporting these Israeli designs. The conclusive findings of this research reveal Israel's consistent opposition to the concept of economic peace with the Palestinians. The ongoing Israeli settler occupation and complete control and exploitation of Palestinian material resources compound this opposition. In this context, the realization of economic peace becomes unattainable. Additionally, the study emphasizes that economic peace cannot be achieved in isolation from political peace, as the two are intricately interconnected. Based on these findings, it is evident that the intentions behind foreign aid, the Israeli stance, and the structural constraints imposed by the ongoing occupation and resource control hinder the prospects of economic peace in the Palestinian context. The research highlights the imperative need for a comprehensive resolution that addresses the conflict's political and economic dimensions.