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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Foreign Policy Orientations of the P.W. Botha Regime: Changing Perceptions of State Elites in South Africa
Author:Van Wyk, Koos
Year:1991
Periodical:Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Volume:10
Issue:1
Pages:45-65
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:foreign policy
Politics and Government
international relations
Abstract:This analysis focuses on the changing views of South African State elites during the P.W. Botha regime, particularly their views of South Africa's foreign policy orientations or options. In 1980, Botha spelt out South Africa's foreign policy orientations in point ten of a 'Twelve Point Plan' which aimed to drag South Africa out of its domestic and international problems. Point ten dealt with the merits of five 'strategic options open to South Africa regarding its external relations': alignment with the West; neutrality and neutralism; alliance with the Soviet Union; avoiding any sort of commitment to any of the major powers and seeking to develop an alliance with other middle-rank powers whose political philosophies have something in common with South Africa's, which would imply the acceptance of pariah status; affiliation with Africa. This analysis, based on the results of postal questionnaires sent to members of the political as well as the bureaucratic elite in 1983 and 1987, examines the following questions: What were the ruling elites' perceptions of the Botha options? Did their foreign policy orientations change in the period 1983-1987? Did elites prefer a particular option or was a combination of options favoured? What was the relationship between 'affect' (the preferred or desired foreign policy option) and 'cognition' (the recognized actual foreign policy orientation)? Notes, ref.
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