The term “pro-Palestinian student dilemma” is a recent addition to the political science lexicon, slated for detailed examination in subsequent studies. In a prior address, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared, “They will no longer be allowed to enter our country, and I will rescind student visas for supporters of Hamas found on college campuses.” American institutions of higher education, in his view, have been compromised, and individuals participating in pro-Jihad demonstrations will face potential deportation by 2025.
As someone who knows Trump and authored the book ‘The Key to Understanding Donald Trump,’ (https://a.co/d/1XObz4g) I can state that this idea will become a mantra and, if he is elected, will indeed be implemented. What can we glean from this? As the elections draw near, particularly post-primaries, Generation Z, known for their support of the Palestinian cause, will confront a compelling dilemma — whether to endorse a boycott of Biden, akin to previous explicit threats targeting the Muslim audience (refer to this article for further insight: https://is.gd/fd4rNz).
Venturing to vote while holding their noses for Biden who declared himself a Zionist despite not being Jewish, presents a dilemma. In any case, it appears that supporters of the Palestinian cause, especially Generation Z on campuses, are entering a challenging phase.
This psychological phenomenon draws parallels with classic decision-making challenges, resembling the well-known Prisoner’s Dilemma, where just as individuals grapple with the tension between personal gain and collective well-being, supporters of the Palestinian cause, particularly within Generation Z, face a nuanced choice. The dilemma involves the complexities of reconciling one’s commitment to a cause with the pragmatic considerations of voting for a candidate who may not entirely align with their values. The interplay of individual motivations against a broader socio-political context mirrors the intricate dynamics observed in scenarios like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, highlighting the multifaceted nature of decision-making in complex situations.
This involves navigating a period of upheaval within the American system, with limited viable alternatives for protest and voting.
Dr. Kobby Barda received his Ph.D. in American Political history and International Affairs, and is a researcher of American politics, specializing in research on Grassroots lobbies groups and their influence on Israel-U.S. relations. A fellow of the Haikin Chair in Geo-Strategy, and a senior researcher at the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies at the University of Haifa, Israel. Host and owner of the podcast “America Baby”.