NCJ Number
179589
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
South Africa's emerging foreign policy identity is examined in terms of recent developments on the African continent, South Africa's dependence on the region, the country's foreign relations and engagement in Africa, its future participation in peace missions, and other issues.
Abstract
Africa is clearly in a state of crisis at a time when South Africa is emerging from post-transition concerns about its internal integration challenges. South Africa needs to acknowledge and confront the realities of Africa, given its economic dependence upon the continent and the degree to which it will be affected by insecurity north of its borders. Violence, race, and policy are inextricably mixed in South Africa. State collapse in Africa is continuing; state building is the continent's major challenge. The tenets of a multilateral approach to foreign policy are emerging, with South Africa as an emergent middle power. South Africa will need to go to extraordinary lengths to make multilateralism, consultation, and peace building reflective of its engagement in the region. It will also undoubtedly be involved in peacekeeping missions. South Africans have formulated a vision of an African Renaissance as a new paradigm that can motivate and frame the engagement of issues of good governance. The challenge for South Africa is to lead by example and not through dominance. The continent is at a crucial juncture; the most important component of the African Renaissance is Africans' acceptance of responsibility for their own destiny. The Cold War scaffolding that ensured both borders and stability in post-colonial African is gone. Therefore, African leaders and the African state are involved in a long-delayed process of shakeout that provides the real cause of hope for the future of the continent. 40 references