The dismantling of Apartheid in South Africa and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine share certain fundamental characteristics, despite their distinct contexts. In all three cases, struggles for self-determination, human rights violations, and the influence of international pressure are prominent.
In South Africa, the release of Nelson Mandela in February 1990 marked the beginning of the end for the apartheid regime. This complex process was driven by both internal and external forces. Internally, decades of activism by movements like the ANC and PAC, including protests, strikes, and armed resistance, played a pivotal role. Externally, economic sanctions, primarily from the USA and Europe, coupled with cultural boycotts and divestment campaigns, exerted significant pressure on the South African government. Notably, the activism of American university students and Black Americans was instrumental in raising global awareness.
Today, the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine present stark parallels, albeit with altered geopolitical dynamics. While both involve significant loss of life, a key difference lies in the perceived shift in US foreign policy. In Ukraine, there’s a sense that the US, under certain political influences, has diminished its support, while in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the US maintains strong support for Israel.
In the context of the Gaza conflict, university campus protests in the US have faced significant resistance. University presidents have been threatened with funding cuts for allowing these protests, raising concerns about freedom of speech. The influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, which heavily funds congressional campaigns, is seen by many as a factor contributing to this suppression of dissent. This highlights how powerful lobby groups can influence US policy.
The US relationship with Ukraine has been a subject of political controversy for over a decade. The unravelling of Republican support for Ukraine began during President Trump’s first term. His 2019 attempt to pressure President Zelenskyy into investigating a political rival led to impeachment proceedings. Trump’s current stance, perceived by some as a public humiliation of Zelenskyy and a shift towards Russia, is seen as potential retribution for Zelenskyy’s refusal to comply with his demands. This underscores the potential for personal agendas to influence international relations.
To support Ukraine, the American public must consistently pressure their elected officials to maintain and increase military and financial aid. This sustained pressure is vital for ensuring Ukraine receives the necessary resources to defend itself. Similarly, to influence policy regarding Gaza, the American public must exercise their right to free speech and assembly, and actively engage with their elected officials to express their views, even in the face of powerful lobbying groups. This highlights the importance of civic engagement in a democracy.
The US is the common thread as well as a significant and influential actor in both the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts. Regrettably, due to the domestic disruption and disturbance being caused today by President Trump the American public are more focused on their own livelihood that those in other countries.
