Academic boycotts of Israel: a narrative review

Academic boycott of Israeli institutions has emerged as a highly contentious issue within scholarly discourse, eliciting diverse perspectives and impassioned debates. This article examines the complexities surrounding academic boycotts, focusing on the Israeli context, and explores the motivations, justifications, and implications put forth by advocates and critics. Drawing from a review of 23 articles published until May 2024, the article highlights the contrasting viewpoints on academic boycotts and their impact on academic freedom, dialogue, and international relations. It concludes by emphasising the importance of safeguarding academic integrity and objectivity amid debates that intersect with broader societal and political dynamics. Keeping politics out of academia is crucial to ensure that education remains a space for unbiased knowledge dissemination and critical thinking, free from external pressures and influences.