Introduction
As President Barack Obama approaches the end of his term, the debate over the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has taken on renewed relevance. Specifically, one crucial aspect is the clause in the TPP that aims to combat boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movements targeting Israeli settlements. This article explores the likelihood of enforcing such provisions under a potential Republican presidency and examines how corporate interests may influence the future of the TPP.
The End of Obama and the Future of TPP
To be clear, Obama himself will not have much say in the enforcement of the TPP provisions related to the BDS movement. By the time the TPP becomes law—if it ever does—the enforcement will devolve to the next President. As of now, both Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side and most of the main Republican contenders have been staunch supporters of Likud, the right-wing bloc in the Israeli government. This alignment suggests that any incoming Republican president is likely to support the enforcement of these provisions.
Republican Corporatism and the TPP
The more pressing question is how a future Republican corporatist president would utilize the TPP to serve the interests of the wealthy oligarchs who fund his campaigns. The TPP is not about to be shelved after Obama leaves office. It is highly probable that anti-BDS provisions in the TPP will be enforced, as DBS opponents can lobby for their interests with any future president likely to win office.
The Role of Greedy Oligarch Pigs
It is important to note that the term 'Greedy Oligarch Pigs' does not refer to one political party. The majority of the US Congress is compromised by wealthy interests, regardless of whether they are Democrats or Republicans. The Republican Party has, however, taken the serving of these interests to extremes, even greedy Democrats refuse to wholly adopt such practices. Generally, presidential candidates are beholden to big money. Without significant financial support, winning the nomination process would be nearly impossible. However, not all candidates are equally reliant on this funding; those who receive immense sums often have more significant expectations of return.
US Antiboycott Laws and TPP Provisions
US anti-boycott laws currently combat the BDS movement, and these laws are enforced only when a complaint is filed. It is expected that the enforcement of anti-BDS provisions in the TPP will follow a similar model. This means that the provisions will be activated in response to specific cases, rather than as a general mechanism.
Conclusion
With President Obama nearing the end of his term, the role of the TPP in combating the BDS movement becomes a focal point for future political debate. The enforcement of these provisions will depend heavily on the next president and their ideological alignment. Furthermore, the influence of wealthy interests is likely to shape the implementation of these provisions. As such, it is crucial to stay informed on both the political landscape and the legislative processes that will determine the future of the TPP and its anti-BDS provisions.