Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

4-2012

Abstract

South Africa was recently included as a member of the BRICS grouping. South Africa's formal association with the powerful original members suggests that it possesses some international clout. Although South Africa pursues an active foreign policy, for example, as a region organizer, notably through New Partnership for Africa's Development, and as an issue leader championing development-related concerns, the normative direction of South Africa's international involvement has been unclear and often contradictory. This article illustrates how South Africa adheres to and departs from liberal principles when involved in the global politics of development. Middlepowership and domestic politics are identified as two sources of pressure on the liberal aspects of South African foreign policy.

Keywords

South Africa foreign policy, NEPAD, WTO, middle powers, United Nations Security Council, IBSA

Discipline

African Studies | Diplomatic History | Political Science

Research Areas

Political Science

Publication

European Journal of Development Research

Volume

24

Issue

2

First Page

283

Last Page

299

ISSN

0957-8811

Identifier

10.1057/ejdr.2012.4

Publisher

Palgrave Macmillan

Copyright Owner and License

Author

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1057/ejdr.2012.4

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