South Africa in Africa: a geo-political perspective

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Periodical article

Title:	South Africa in Africa: a geo-political perspective
Authors:	Kraxberger, Brennan M. McClaughry, Paul A.
Year:	2013
Periodical:	Canadian Journal of African Studies (ISSN 0008-3968)
Volume:	47
Issue:	1
Pages:	9-25
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	South Africa Africa
Subjects:	foreign policy international relations geopolitics
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00083968.2013.778063
Abstract:	This paper explores - through a geo-political perspective - the changes and continuities in South African foreign policy over the period 1990-2010, focusing on the themes of military relations, migration, democratization, and pan-Africanism. The demise of apartheid led to significant changes in South Africa's relations with southern Africa and the rest of Africa, including the transition of South Africa from pariah State to a key leader of the continent; an end to South Africa's destabilization of its immediate neighbours; transition toward more humane treatment of migrants; and transition toward a commitment to democracy promotion in Africa. Yet, continuities among the apartheid and post-apartheid eras persist, including the persistence of nationalism and realism as guiding principles; ongoing economic and political constraints imposed by neighbouring countries; the persistence of socio-cultural divisions amongst South African and migrant workers; and overall ambivalence about pan-African identity and policies. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French [Journal abstract]