Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Anti-nuclear civil society activism together with the claim of peace advocacy is considered to be a process consisting of strategic actions and civic engagement in the decision-making process. This research examines what made the civil society in New Zealand successful especially between 1981 and 1987 with a particular focus on their action repertoire through goal-oriented approach. It distinguishes which features of anti-nuclear activism led to a productive and desired outcome. This study is theoretically framed under the political opportunity structure and resource mobilization approach. It highlights the importance of civil society engaged in activism while identifying the relationship between tactics, strategies, and political environment in the anti-nuclear struggle in New Zealand. To gain an accurate analysis of success in New Zealand`s anti-nuclear debate, this research focuses on the extent to which anti-nuclear actors have been able to achieve their objectives and the degree to which influential activity has effectively been involved in the process. The results reveal that the political actors and civil society actively participating in the policy-shaping process and their involvement signified strong anti-nuclear advocacy under the peace and security narratives. By focusing on the collective actions and its influence, this study provides a deeper understanding as to the beneficial nature of the mobilization process and political structure.