Protest in Flames: The Symbolic and Political Power of Self-Immolation, 1963-2024

Abstract

Self-immolation, the act of lighting oneself on fire as a form of political protest, has a long and complex history across various cultural, religious, and political contexts. This article explores the phenomenon of self-immolation, its symbolic significance, psychological underpinnings, and sociopolitical implications. Through a comparative analysis of case studies from South Vietnam, Tunisia, and the United States from the 1960s until 2024, this article uncovers the relationship between systems of structural violence—war, colonialism, and occupation—and self-immolation. Self-immolation functions as a radical form of communication, challenging authority while raising questions about martyrdom and self-sacrifice. The findings suggest that self-immolation often serves a pivotal role in political change by generating media attention and public discourse.