The Economist asks what seems like a pretty germane question: In the Jacob Zuma era what, exactly, is South Africa’s foreign policy?
If the Mandela years were characterized by goodwill borne of South Africa’s breaking the shackles of Apartheid, and Thabo Mbeki’s presidency concerned itself with the “African renaissance” it seems that South Africa has receded from the picture when it comes to foreign affairs. Indeed, arguably Thabo Mbeki, who seems to be taking to the role of elder statesman, might be the most visible South African when it comes to addressing global problems.
There is a particular irony at work since South Africa has been welcomed into the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) community. While it is possible that the process of becoming a member of what is now to be known as BRICS actually has kept South Africa from aggressively pursuing a coherent foreign policy, there is no particular reason why any of those four countries would care if South Africa pushed its interests across sub-Saharan Africa. More likely South Africa continues to suffer what I have called its “Regional Superpower Dilemma.” The other reality is that South Africa does extend its interest culturally and economically where M-Net, SABC, South African Breweries, De Beers, Standard Bank and myriad other companies have established a position of dominance well north of the Orange and Limpopo Rivers and where South African popular culture is preeminent.
Nonetheless, the Zuma administration does not yet have a foreign policy identity. BRICS might be an outward looking legacy, but the country still stands as the region’s indispensible nation. Perhaps it should start acting like it.
