Transnational Activism: The Anti-Apartheid MovementBethany Bell

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.

Questions ?