Repository logo

Doctoral Degrees (Political Science)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7215

Browse

Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Political Science) by Subject "Bilateral relations."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A comparative analysis of South Africa's foreign policy on the Central African Republic and Nigeria since 1994.
    (2018) Phetha, Rejoice Hlengiwe.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
    Since ridding itself of apartheid in 1994, South Arica (SA) has been portrayed as an important regional power in Africa, as opposed to being dubbed a pariah state prior to 1994. Importantly, South Africa is increasingly being seen as a significant global player in the debates about reforming the global governance architecture to create a fairer international order. As the global balance of power changes, new and old powers are investing more in terms of cultivating new and deeper relationships. During the first two decades of democracy, South Africa positioned itself internationally through bilateral and multilateral engagements. However, the policy contents and realities of the foreign policies of South Africa, Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR) have not been systematically and adequately studied. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative study on South Africa’s foreign policy towards CAR and Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to investigate the nature of South Africa’s foreign policy towards Nigeria and CAR and the factors which determined the country’s foreign policy agenda. The use of two international relations theories, i.e. realism and neo-functionalism assisted in understanding the complex foreign policy issues. The study used a mixed-methods approach where five key informant interviews were conducted and one hundred and fifty survey questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. The study found that South Africa has been visible in its foreign policy footprints by being involved in the African peace mediation efforts. The increasing importance of soft power in the global politics is recognised both in the literature and among scholars and practitioners of international relations. Although South Africa faces a number of challenges in constructing its new democratic institutions, it has emerged as one of the most important countries which has imbedded the ‘Ubuntu’ philosophy in its foreign policy posture. The idea of Africanization has become entrenched in South Africa’s identity which has over-stretched the state that is striving to meet the idealistic demands placed upon its fragile democracy. The study revealed South Africa’s policy influence on the global policy and policy innovation. Moreover, it concluded that the presence of South Africa in Nigeria has resulted in increased trade and restored peace in CAR, but also created a number of opportunities in both CAR and Nigeria. Furthermore, the study established the strategic relevance of Nigeria and Central African Republic to South Africa. This has contributed to a broader understanding of the factors that shape South Africa’s foreign policy agenda. However, further research should be conducted on the role of South Africa’s foreign policy in enhancing continental integration.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A critical investigation into the diplomatic relations between post-apartheid South Africa and India.
    (2021) Moroe, Jacob.; Kaya, Hassan Omari.; Mutula, Stephen M.
    The study made a critical investigation into the diplomatic relations between post-apartheid South Africa and India, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The major arguments were based on the following aspects: First, Post-apartheid South Africa and India have shared good bilateral relations since 1994 and constantly aim to expand and diversify their trade and economic relations. However, it would seem the two countries have not fully exploited the potential role of the private sector and civil society in their relations, despite their vibrant private sectors and civic societies. Second, although South Africa and India have, since 1994, proclaimed themselves as partners for development, very limited critical interrogation has been made on the prospects and challenges embedded in their economic diplomatic relations regarding their bilateral and multilateral engagements. Both share membership in various organizations including BRICS, IBSA, UN, amongst others. They continue to make use of their membership in these groupings to advance national interests. Third, diplomatic relations between India and South Africa after 1994 have to consider the global shifts in political and economic power relations due to multipolarity. The study revealed that the historical relations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Indian Congress Party (ICP) influenced the cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries in the post-apartheid South Africa. Fourth: there are contentious views on the position of Mahatma Gandhi regarding the historical racial relations between Indians and Africans in South Africa, and that he was more concerned about the freedom of South African Indians, and not black South Africans. However, there is a general acknowledgement that South African Indians contributed greatly to the socio-economic and political development of South Africa. The economic bilateral relations between the two countries have flourished since the end of apartheid, with India holding the most potential. However, they are yet to make use of available opportunities such as the involvement of private sector and civil society in their relations. The study recommends that both countries should take advantage of their complementarities and comparative advantages for mutual benefits.