What was the international community's response to the conditions in South Africa during the 1980s?

The response of the international community to the conditions in South Africa during the 1980s was characterized by diplomatic isolation and sanctions. This movement arose largely as a result of growing awareness and condemnation of the inhumane and oppressive nature of the apartheid system, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination against the majority Black population.

Various countries, particularly those in the West and within organizations such as the United Nations, imposed economic and cultural sanctions, boycotting South African goods and limiting investments. The goal was to pressure the South African government to dismantle its apartheid policies. Notably, these measures included bans on arms sales, divestment from South African companies, and calls for a cessation of sporting and cultural exchanges.

In contrast, there was substantial opposition to apartheid from activists and organizations globally, resulting in a unified front advocating for human rights and equality, rather than support for the apartheid policies or increased tourism investments. Diplomatic efforts, while present, tended to focus on applying pressure through sanctions rather than attempting to negotiate with the apartheid regime directly at that time.