Download - Fundamentals of IR - Class Presentation
May 10, 1994Nelson Mandela’s
inauguration as the first democratically elected president of
South Africa.
How?
OutlineTransnational Activism Defined- Role of Social Movement Theory- Key Features- Key Methods of Operation
Transnational Activism Applied- Case: Anti-apartheid movement in South Africa
Transnational Activism: Definition
The mobilization around collective claims that are:- related to
transnational/global issues- formulated by actors located
in more than one country- addressing more than one
national government and/or international organization or another international actor.
Transnational Activism: Key Features/Methods of Operation
Key Features:- Capitalize on public concerns- Communication of information- Transnational moral
entrepreneurs
Key Methods of Operation:- Use of consumer boycotts- Creation of trans-border
international ties
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
The establishment of apartheid as
official government policy provided a
definitive target for anti-apartheid
activists.
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
Internal resistanceNon-whites in South Africa had resisted discrimination for decades. India's demand that the apartheid be challenged by UN led to the establishment of a UN commission on apartheid.
International norm of domestic
sovereignty being
breached.
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
Censure from the international community
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Nelson Mandela Albert Luthuli
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
Demands for racial equality were meshed with economic
dimensions.
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
Solidarity and support from around the world.
Transnational Activism Applied:Anti-apartheid Movement in South Africa
Worker’s strikes crippled the South African economy.
White business owners began to pressure the government to reform
apartheid.
CommentsStates
Success: South Africa underwent the dismantling of apartheid, gained universal suffrage, and democratic elections.
The use of international sanctions to influence states across borders
Limitation: The country’s economy, civil service, and military remain largely dominated by the white minority.
International Regimes
Success: The role of the UN in the anti-apartheid struggle.
The international community rallied to enforce the norm of racial equality
Civil Societies
Success: By linking normative debates to daily activities, activists were able to influence the behavior of corporations, shareholders, and individuals.
Limitation: Limited success of pan-Africanism as a solidarity movement.