AbstractsSociology

Around the globe, oppressive regimes continue to pose a threat to the human dignity of those whom Ignacio Ellacuria identified as "the continually crucified masses." This oppression often yields political conflict as ordinary people seek to liberate themselves from extraordinary suffering. The South African struggle against apartheid presents a potent historical example of how a subjugated group brought enormous pressure to bear on an oppressive regime, leading to a transition to democracy and a greater respect for human rights. Given the persistence of oppression in our world this dissertation thus asks the question: What are the most effective and ethical means for resolving political conflict and establishing a just peace in situations of grave injustice; and how does South Africa's successful, relatively peaceful struggle against apartheid assist us in discovering those means? To answer this question, this dissertation proposes the following thesis: South Africans employed a twofold approach to conflict resolution which consisted both of what are now commonly called "just peacemaking" practices and practices based on revised just war principles, including nonviolent direct action and limited armed resistance toward the end of a relatively peaceful transition of power and the promotion of a just peace, marked by national reconciliation. To support this thesis this dissertation explores the practical strategies of the African National Congress (ANC) as they unfolded during South Africa's struggle against apartheid. These strategies can be viewed through the lenses of the emerging just peacemaking theory, and those of the just war tradition. Through my investigation of the relationship between the practices of just peacemaking theory and those of the just war tradition in the context of South Africa, this dissertation uncovers principles for a "just revolution." A just revolution maintains a presumption against the use of force and seeks to limit violence and inflict the least possible harm while establishing a just peace and promoting social reconciliation.