The Palestinian political leadership’s obsession with the idea of statehood as a means to realise self-determination and freedom has proved to be detrimental to the struggle of decolonising Palestine. By prioritising “statehood under colonialism” instead of focusing on decolonising Palestine first and then engaging in state formation, the Palestinian leadership – under pressure from regional and international actors – disempowered the people and empowered security structures which ultimately serve the colonial condition.

This piece is part of a series (by The Arab Reform Initiative and Chatham House) which addresses the future of governance and security in the Middle East and North Africa, and their impact on the role of the state in the region.

Published on 8 January 2020. Click Here to Read the Article. Click Here to Download the Article. 

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