Inside South Africa's Foreign Policy

South Africa is a major player in African diplomacy. Its economic, diplomatic and military resources far outstrip those of other nations on the continent, and it has, since the country's 1994 democratic transition, sought to take a lead role in the continent's relations with other power blocs, particularly during the 1999-2008 presidency of Thabo Mbeki. While Mbeki's push for greater African engagement in the global political sphere drew widespread praise, other positions-notably its seeming inaction toward Zimbabwe and perceived abandonment of its stated emphasis on human rights in foreignpolicy-were more controversial, both at home and abroad. John Siko has had insider access to South Africa's leading foreign policy players, and has been able to ask why Pretoria has taken its various stances and who has mattered in influencing those decisions, a topic little examined since 1994. In addition, he examines the foreign policy process over the past century, determining that despite ANC promises of greater democratic engagement on foreign policy, the process has changed quite little.

Auteur

John Siko, based in Dubai, is a director of Burnham Global, a security consultancy. He previously spent 15 years in the US Government, entirely focused on African political, economic and security issues. This included long-term postings in Africa. Siko has taught courses on African security and politics at Georgetown University and George Washington University and is the author of Inside South Africa's Foreign Policy: Diplomacy in Africa from Smuts to Mbeki (IB Tauris, 2014). Siko has a doctorate in African politics from the University of South Africa.

Contenu

Chapter 1: Understanding South African Foreign Policymaking 7

Chapter 2: A Brief History of South African Foreign Policy 15

Chapter 3: Public Opinion and Pressure Groups 34

Chapter 4: The Press 48

Chapter 5: Academia 61

Chapter 6: Business 87

Chapter 7: Parliament 102

Chapter 8: Ruling Parties 115

Chapter 9: Government Departments 126

Chapter 10: The Prime Minister and President 143

Chapter 11: Conclusion-Room, But Not Willingness, for Engagement 158

Bibliography 162

Appendix: List of Interviews 186

Endnotes