Geopolitics and South Africa

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GEOPOLITICS AND SOUTH AFRICA WH ZAAYMAN 21 APRIL 2008 Paper on geopolitical developments within South Africa from a historical and geopolitical perspective. Document formulated after discussions with (and obtaining guidance from) Dr Michael Romancov, Ph.D. Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.   GEOPOLITICS AND SOUTH AFRICA Introduction This paper provides a brief overview of geopolitical issues pertaining to South Africa. A historical process was utilized and developments were evaluated from a chronological process beginning with the Dutch occupation of the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. A brief overview of this occupation is provided, which is followed by a description of the British occupation of South Africa and its colonial history until the country received its independence in 1961. The author has concentrated on the work of Martin Glassner as written in the publication “Political Geography”. The two sections within the book from which a large portion of the theoretical background of this paper was obtained from was, Part Four entitled - Imperialism, Colonialism and Decolonization and Part Five, called – Geopolitics. This paper goes on to provide a synopsis of South Africa’s relationship with the rest of Africa and follows this relationship from when the country obtained its independence. A point of interest is that South Africa and its people fell under the authority of the British Empire – albeit via the process of indirect rule. South Africa’s position as a Pivotal power is discussed as well as the country’s previous (pre 1994) and present relations with its neighbors. Furthermore, South Africa’s reluctance to take up any dominant responsibility will be briefly discussed. The country’s lack of leadership and the fact that leadership was almost thrust on the country – mainly due to the fact that no other African country
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