The Impact of Macro Level Grievance Resolution on Terrorism and Political Violence in South Africa

Abstract

In this dissertation, I examined the relationship between two socio-legal and two political macro level reforms in South Africa on levels of anti-apartheid, separatist and unknown terrorism and fatalities. These reforms were the repeal of the pass laws, the repeal of the race classification system, the legalization of formerly outlawed political parties and the first democratic election. The results suggest that socio-legal reforms were associated with temporary increases from separatist and unknown groups. As for the political reforms, the election was associated with decreases in unknown terrorist attacks and fatalities from all three group types. Recognizing the potential for violence from groups losing power is critical to developing effective counter-terrorism strategies, particularly when transitioning from authoritarian to more democratic governance structures.