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Lessons Learned: Nelson Mandela’s Release from Prison

Nelson Mandela’s release from prison has lessons for understanding international relations today.

By experts and staff

Published
  • James M. LindsayCFR Expert
    Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy

A new installment of “Lessons Learned” is now out. This week I discuss Nelson Mandela’s release from prison on February 11, 1990, and examine what lessons it has for understanding international relations today.

I hope you enjoy it.

If you’d like to know more about Nelson Mandela and South Africa under apartheid, check out these books:

Nancy L. Clark, South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid, 2nd ed. (2011)

P. Eric Luow, The Rise, Fall, and Legacy of Apartheid (2004)

Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (1995)

Anthony Sampson, Mandela: The Authorized Biography (2000)

Allister Sparks, Beyond the Miracle: Inside the New South Africa (2009)