The relationship between South Africa and MAP emanates from South Africa's Foreign policy which advanced: Promotion of justice, democracy and human rights as well as prosperity and security achieved through economic development. South Africa's philosophy of African Renaissance directed at rejuvenating and renewing Africa transforms the continent into an arena of peace, security and stability, was blended into MAP. Economically, South Africa's adoption of neo-liberal policies in MAP were encouraged by South Africa's incorporation of neo-liberal visions in MAP and have been influenced by the country’s adoption of Growth, Equity and Redistribution (GEAR) in 1996. GEAR became the macro-economic framework for all policies of the government whose aim was to make South Africa the preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as allowing the country to occupy a comfortable position in the rapidly globalising world. However, MAP has been grappling with numerous challenges and its dependency underpinning. These challenges include structural, endogenous and exogenous factors which continue to constrain Africa’s endeavours.
This paper focuses on the relationship between South African foreign policy and MAP. The paper explores foundations and the evolution of South African foreign policy dating back to the apartheid foreign policy which has been perceived as pariah to the current democratic foreign policy of a middle power operating along multilateral avenues and being perceived as a pivot. Throughout the paper, the reader is afforded the opportunity to witness the operationalization of the South African foreign policy objectives; the African Renaissance, and the Millennium African Recovery Plan (MAP), which are the cornerstones of the relationship between South Africa and MAP. South Africa remains one of the progenitors of MAP which worked assiduously to promote and implement the plan throughout the continent. It is therefore imperative to scrutinise the relationship between the two.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Evolution of South African Foreign Policy
2.1. Apartheid Era: Total Strategy
2.2. Democratic Foreign Policy
2.2.1 President Mandela’s Regime: Idealism
2.2.2. President Thabo Mbeki’s Regime: Realism
2.2.3 African Renaissance
2.2.4. Millennium Partnership for African Recovery (MAP)
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the evolution of South African foreign policy, analyzing the transition from the pariah status during the apartheid era to the country's role as a regional pivot in the democratic era. It specifically investigates the ideological shifts between idealism under President Mandela and realism under President Thabo Mbeki, while exploring how these philosophies shaped South Africa's engagement with the Millennium African Recovery Plan (MAP).
- Historical transformation of South African foreign policy
- Idealist vs. Realist frameworks in international relations
- The role of the African Renaissance in regional policy
- South Africa’s leadership and hegemonistic tendencies
- Origin, development, and critique of the MAP initiative
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.2. President Thabo Mbeki’s Regime: Realism
President Mbeki was officially elected unopposed as the second black President of South Africa in 1999. Upon assumption of office, Mbeki repositioned South Africa’s Foreign policy by incorporating the realist approach in it. Mearsheimer (1994) Realism emphasises that states are self-interested positioned and that their behaviour is largely shaped by the anarchic structure of the international system which is conflictual and competitive. In that regard, states are recommended to utilise all means to safeguard or increase their interests while engaging with others. Realists emphasise that limitations on politics are imposed by selfishness (egoism) and the absence of international government (anarchy) which require power and security.
Furthermore, realists remain sceptical about the roe of morality in the international system. This explains that the international system operates on dual moral standard dividing morality into two. There is one moral standard for citizens confined within a state and the other one for the state in its external relations with others. That presents an opportunity for states to ignore incorporation of morality in foreign policy; however that was the case with Mandela’s foreign policy. Borrowing from realist explanation of the international system, Mbeki proclaimed in 1999 that the ANC led government was committed to political transformation to promote prosperity and security for the country making South Africa becoming a real partner in Africa as motivated by the desire to further the country’s interests (Alden and Le Pere, 2003)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the relationship between South African foreign policy and the development of the Millennium African Recovery Plan.
2. Evolution of South African Foreign Policy: Chronicles the transition from apartheid-era policies to democratic governance, analyzing the shifting ideologies of Mandela and Mbeki.
2.1. Apartheid Era: Total Strategy: Discusses the segregationist and survivalist foreign policy approach utilized by the white minority government.
2.2. Democratic Foreign Policy: Explores the post-1994 reconstruction of foreign policy based on liberal constitutional values and regional engagement.
2.2.1 President Mandela’s Regime: Idealism: Details how the Mandela administration emphasized democracy, human rights, and moral dimensions in its international relations.
2.2.2. President Thabo Mbeki’s Regime: Realism: Analyzes Mbeki's shift toward realist doctrines, focusing on national interest, security, and economic prosperity.
2.2.3 African Renaissance: Examines the holistic vision aimed at the political and socio-economic regeneration of the African continent.
2.2.4. Millennium Partnership for African Recovery (MAP): Documents the origins of MAP and its role as a South African-led initiative for continental development.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes South Africa's dual identity as a constructive middle power and a potential regional hegemon within the global system.
Keywords
South African Foreign Policy, Millennium African Recovery Plan, MAP, African Renaissance, Apartheid, Realism, Idealism, Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela, Regional Integration, Hegemony, Middle Power, Economic Development, African Union, NEPAD
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the relationship between South Africa's evolving foreign policy and the Millennium African Recovery Plan (MAP).
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The themes include the shift from the apartheid-era "Total Strategy" to democratic foreign policy, the influence of idealism and realism, the African Renaissance, and the economic development frameworks of the Mbeki administration.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to scrutinize how South Africa's changing foreign policy objectives operationalized the MAP and how the country positioned itself on the African continent.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study uses historical analysis and literature review to compare political frameworks (Idealism vs. Realism) and their application in South African diplomacy.
What does the main body of the work address?
It addresses the historical progression of foreign policy, the specific diplomatic legacies of the Mandela and Mbeki presidencies, and the development and criticism of the MAP initiative.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include South African Foreign Policy, African Renaissance, Realism, Idealism, MAP, and regional hegemony.
How does the author characterize the transition from Mandela to Mbeki?
The author characterizes it as a fundamental shift from an idealist approach focused on human rights and moral standing to a realist approach focused on national interests, security, and economic power.
Why was the MAP criticized by other African scholars?
MAP was criticized for being an elitist, "top-down" project developed by a few individuals within the South African presidency without broad consultation with civil society or other African nations.
What role does the "African Renaissance" play in this study?
It is presented as the primary philosophical framework used by Mbeki to differentiate and contextualize Africa's socio-economic problems and to justify South Africa’s leadership role.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Ignatius Mabula (Autor:in), 2013, The Relationship Between the South African Foreign Policy and the Millenium African Recovery Plan, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/376379
