The Role of International Solidarity Movements in Challenging Oppressive Regimes: A Comparative Study of Anti-Apartheid Activism in South Africa and Pro-Palestinian Advocacy in the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper contrasts two giant global solidarity movements the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and pro-Palestinian advocacy in the 21st century. It discusses their historical backgrounds, tactics and influences and how transnational networks, grassroots mobilization, economic sanctions and media influenced their performance. The research allows conclusion that the anti-apartheid movement was won due to the extensive foreign assistance and sanctions imposed by the state with the help of such frameworks as Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs), Political Opportunity Theory and Resource Mobilization Theory. Conversely, the pro-Palestinian movement is geopolitically unpopular, in the legislature, and politically divided, which has weak global support. However, this movement serves as an indicator of the continued applicability of international activism in the quest of justice. The paper suggests to strengthen legal instruments, add economic pressure, better the media tactics and consolidate the partnership among advocacy. It adds to the debates on the element of the global civil society, human rights, and the possibilities of the international solidarity to impact the political change in the contemporary world.