The struggle for self-determination by black South Africans differed from a similar struggle in Northern Ireland during the Troubles in that the struggle in South Africa was a fight against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, while the struggle in Northern Ireland was primarily about political and religious differences between nationalists (Catholics) and unionists (Protestants). Additionally, the struggle in South Africa had international attention and support, while the conflict in Northern Ireland was more localized.
