Quiet democracy. The reasons behind Mbeki's Zimbabwe policy

Martin Adelmann

Africa Spectrum, 2004, vol. 39, issue 2, 249-276

Abstract: South Africa's policy of quiet diplomacy towards Mugabe has been severely criticised by the West and within South Africa alike. As South Africa is regarded as the key external player in the Zimbabwe crisis, calls for a U-turn in South Africa's Zimbabwe policy are mounting. This paper explores the underlying reasons for South Africa's policy of quiet diplomacy. It argues, in opposition to the general opinion, that quiet diplomacy is neither exceptional nor based on ideological blood chains, but rather follows the tradition and goals of South African foreign policy. Despite failure to bring about a solution to the crisis, quiet diplomacy is portrayed as South Africa's best option, as it minimises the potential risk of a deeper crisis. Thus, external calls on President Mbeki to change his Zimbabwe policy are in vain.

Date: 2004
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