Asymmetry as context: the rollercoaster of South Africa - US relations post 1994

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Periodical article

Title:	Asymmetry as context: the rollercoaster of South Africa - US relations post 1994
Author:	Firsing, Scott
Year:	2012
Periodical:	South African Journal of International Affairs
Volume:	19
Issue:	1
Pages:	105-133
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	South Africa United States
Subjects:	international relations foreign policy diplomacy
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10220461.2012.670459
Abstract:	The United States pictured a bright future with a strategic country when the new South African government took power in 1994. They envisioned a strong partnership in political, economic and security realms. The bilateral relationship did not turn out to be as easy as many in America might have envisioned. Despite notable camaraderie during the Mandela-Clinton administrations, there was a considerable downward swing in US-South African relations during the Bush administration. This situation has since appeared to reverse itself during the current Obama and Zuma administrations. This paper, through the lens of 'asymmetry theory' as developed by Brantly Womack, seeks to shed light on how a rollercoaster relationship such as this can go through such fluctuations and not end in extreme tension. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]