The Impact of Consumer Boycotts on Multinational Corporations: A Case Study of Bangladesh and Global Brands Amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Consumer boycotts have evolved as a potent form of political and social activism, influencing purchasing patterns globally and exerting tangible pressure on multinational corporations (MNCs). In regions marked by geopolitical tensions such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, boycotts target companies perceived to support or condone disputed governmental actions, directly affecting their market performance and operational viability. Bangladesh, an emerging economic hub reliant on global trade, particularly in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, faces multidimensional challenges when international consumer activism intersects with complex supply chains. This paper examines how political boycotts have impacted Bangladesh’s market and key global brands—Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé—operating within it. Through real data, comparative analysis, and theoretical frameworks, this research elucidates the scope of boycott effects and evaluates corporate and systemic responses while proposing strategies for resilience and ethical alignment.