Reflections on the Question of When, if Ever, Violence Is Justified in Struggles for Political or Social Change: Based on Remarks Delivered in Honor of Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013

In remembrance of Nelson Mandela, the author will briefly consider the struggle for social and political change in apartheid South Africa and explore three justifications given by the African National Congress (ANC) when it decided, in 1961, to establish an armed wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), in its...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Harvard human rights journal 2014-05, Vol.27 (1), p.1
Main Author: Farbstein, Susan H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apartheid
Crime
Honor
Legislatures
Mandela, Nelson (1918-2013)
Massacre
Political change
Race
Sabotage
Social change
Terrorism
War
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Summary:In remembrance of Nelson Mandela, the author will briefly consider the struggle for social and political change in apartheid South Africa and explore three justifications given by the African National Congress (ANC) when it decided, in 1961, to establish an armed wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), in its campaign to overthrow the apartheid government. First, the cause itself was just. Apartheid was a crime against humanity. Second, the turn to violence was a last resort. From its founding in 1912, the ANC had been staunchly non-violent in its tactics, but the Sharpeville massacre represented a turning point. Third, the nature and degree of the violence was measured and minimal. Mandela divided the MK's efforts into four categories of incremental intensity: sabotage, guerilla warfare, terrorism, and open revolution. He urged the exclusive use of sabotage because sabotage did not involve loss of life, and it offered the best hope for future race relations.
ISSN:1057-5057
1943-5088