When half a boycott makes a winner: On Eurovision voting

Boycotts are meant to isolate. A pushback—however small—is almost always inevitable. In settings with many alternatives, boycott tends to be diffuse, while counter-support is concentrated. This asymmetry can translate into a great advantage for the boycotted party. • In contests with many candidates, boycott is diffuse, counter support is concentrated. • Even weak pushback to boycott calls may yield an outsized advantage. • Neutrality may hinder controversial candidates more than boycott.