The strongest state on the African continent – that is definitely South Africa.
Their economic strength and international acceptance as a representative for
the whole continent established that position. South Africa’s international
reputation as an emerging middle power (Erdmann 2007: 2) enabled the
former Pariah-state to develop a unique foreign policy whose basic values
are shared by most of the powerful states in the world. The importance of a
flourishing African continent and economic as well as political success
especially in Southern Africa was always emphasized by the representatives
of the rainbow nation. According to this position, South Africa joined the
South African Development Community (SADC) after its successful transition
into a democracy in 1994, using this institution for cooperation with the
neighbour-states. But 14 years after the termination of Apartheid questions
regarding South Africa’s foreign policy are raised: In how far plays the SADC
a role in the plans of South Africa? Is SADC really, as often implicated, the
top priority in South Africa’s foreign policy? Does the vision of the institution
and the expressed South African foreign policy go in the same direction?
To answer these questions I will use an historical approach and start with an
overview of the South African foreign policy since 1994. I will identify different
phases, strongly linked to presidency, which will help to understand South
Africa’s current foreign policy. In chapter two I will focus on these current
positions of the government and the national interests. The definition of the
term national interest and its differentiation from foreign policy will take part in
chapter two as well. Chapter three will focus on the SADC with its historical
grown values and visions before a detailed analysis of the main question will
be done in chapter four. By bringing the foreign policy on one side and the
visions and goals of SADC on the other side together, a comparative analysis
can be done. The assignment will conclude with an evaluation of the question
if SADC and South Africa are still fitting together and if the mutual way will
lead to a deadlock or a lockstep towards a prospering future for Southern
Africa.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The South African foreign policy since 1994 – an overview
2. Strategic interests and foreign policy of South Africa today
3. The SADC – aims, visions, tasks
4. South Africa and SADC – walking in the same direction?
Conclusion
Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the consistency between South Africa's foreign policy and the goals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The central research question explores whether South Africa’s regional engagement and the institutional objectives of SADC are aligned toward a common future or if their relationship is fundamentally deadlocked due to conflicting national and regional interests.
- The evolution of South African foreign policy from the Mandela to the Mbeki era.
- Defining national interest and its influence on foreign policy strategy.
- The historical objectives, visions, and integration tasks of SADC.
- A comparative analysis of South Africa's pragmatic unilateralism versus regional integration goals.
Excerpt from the Book
1. The South African foreign policy since 1994 – an overview
After the successful transition from the white dominated Apartheid-state to one of Africa’s most modern democracy’s, South Africa struggled to define its foreign policy. No wonder after 40 years of isolation in world politics. The reason for South Africa’s struggle can be seen mainly in the self perception of the ruling party ANC. Coming out of a past where the ANC was working as a banned underground organisation with its headquarter abroad, they now had to represent a state with severe social, political and economic problems.
The new president Nelson Mandela therefore gave himself basic rules to construct South Africa’s international relations. These guidelines lasted for the first few years of the ANC governance. Mandela emphasized the importance of human rights in international relations, the values of democratization and peace and the superior relevance of the African continent for South Africa’s foreign policy (Mandela 1993: 87). Furthermore Mandela pointed out to a future where South Africa and the Southern African states would have strong relations and are bind together through institutions. In this respect Mandela spoke about South Africa’s African destiny (Mandela 1993: 90). But reality drew a different picture. Analyst’s accused the new South African government to be opportunistic and inconsistent. “South Africa first, even at the expenses of the continent” seemed to be the rule in Pretoria (Landsberg/Kornegay 1998: 18).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the foundation for the historical approach and outlines the research objective concerning the alignment between South African foreign policy and SADC objectives.
1. The South African foreign policy since 1994 – an overview: Analyzes the transition of foreign policy from the Mandela era to the Mbeki administration, identifying key shifts and the impact of the African Renaissance concept.
2. Strategic interests and foreign policy of South Africa today: Examines the five pillars of current South African foreign policy and how national interests guide the government's strategic decision-making.
3. The SADC – aims, visions, tasks: Details the historical evolution, institutional goals, and the multifaceted integration strategy of the SADC within Southern Africa.
4. South Africa and SADC – walking in the same direction?: Conducts a comparative analysis to determine if South Africa's practical behavior matches the proclaimed institutional goals of regional integration.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that while objectives are aligned, South Africa's pragmatic foreign policy often prioritizes national interests over rigid regional integration.
Keywords
South Africa, SADC, Foreign Policy, Regional Integration, African Renaissance, Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, National Interest, Multilateralism, Unilateralism, Southern Africa, Diplomacy, Economic Policy, Governance, Security Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the relationship between South African foreign policy and the objectives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to determine if they are in agreement or conflict.
What are the central themes discussed?
Key themes include the evolution of South Africa's foreign policy since 1994, the concept of national interest, regional integration in Southern Africa, and the tension between unilateralism and multilateralism.
What is the primary research question?
The research seeks to answer whether the SADC is truly a top priority in South Africa's foreign policy or if South Africa's actions lead to a deadlock rather than progress.
Which methodology does the author apply?
The author employs a historical approach, comparing the foreign policy orientations of the Mandela and Mbeki administrations against the stated values and integration goals of SADC.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the historical overview of foreign policy, the strategic pillars of the South African state, the institutional mandate of SADC, and a final comparative analysis of their practical interaction.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
South Africa, SADC, Foreign Policy, Regional Integration, African Renaissance, and National Interest are the primary terms defining this research.
How does the author view Mbeki's "African Renaissance"?
The author views it as a "foreign policy doctrine" intended to improve the continent's standing in international institutions through political and economic reform, though its implementation faces challenges.
What is the author's conclusion regarding South Africa's "regional card"?
The conclusion states that South Africa generally prioritizes regional integration, but it acts unilaterally whenever the power imbalance requires it to safeguard its own economic stability and national interests.
How does the author describe the impact of the TDCA agreement?
The Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) with the EU is noted as an example where South Africa acted unilaterally, which caused friction because other SADC states felt sidelined by this success.
- Quote paper
- Florian Pretz (Author), 2008, South African foreign policy and SADC goals - lockstep or deadlock?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/113402
