UBUNTU AS FOREIGN POLICY: THE AMBIGUITIES OF SOUTH AFRICA'S BRAND IMAGE AND IDENTITY

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Garth Le Pere
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
White Paper ◽  
The State ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Direct Bearing ◽  
External Relations ◽  
Nation Brand ◽  
People First

South Africa's 2011 White Paper on foreign policy, "Building a Better World", is predicated on the far-reaching ambition of how Ubuntu (humanity) and Batho Pele (putting people first) together with their underlying humanist principles will guide the country's external relations. However, while noble, this calculus is poorly conceived as an approach to global issues. The article argues that while still a relatively successful nation brand if measured by marketing indicators, South Africa's normative currency and agency in foreign policy has depreciated considerably, with a direct bearing on its nation brand and identity. These are examined with regard to the security of citizens and the personality of the state and provide a register of the branding and image  deficits of the White Paper. Such deficits are then considered in terms of the cosmopolitan vision in South Africa's foreign policy and its moral and normative underpinnings. The article provides examples in both the domestic and global regimes to demonstrate the extent to which South Africa has lost its normative resilience in the conduct of its foreign policy, thus giving rise to ambiguities in its brand image and identity.

Southern Africa: A Cataclysm Averted?

Worldview ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
Ross K. Baker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
American Foreign Policy ◽  
National Interest ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
World Power ◽  
External Relations ◽  
The Republic

In a time when idiocies such as the domino theory comprise a substantial part of American foreign policy one has to look hard for evidence that authentic national interest is anywhere being invoked as a rationale for external relations. That the Republic of South Africa seems to be a world power demonstrating innovation in diplomacy and putting shibboleths in their rightful place says something about the genera] bankruptcy of Western statecraft. While Ford and Kissinger flail about seeking justifications for American failures and misalliances, a moldy, outcast regime in Pretoria has embarked upon a path of diplomatic initiative which has effectively breached the wall of isolation that has surrounded it for two decades. The motives of the regime of John Vorster may be sinister and base, but there appears to be a far more sophisticated perception of long-term interests in Pretoria than in Washington.

A Critical Review of South Africa’s Foreign Policy in Promoting Continental Integration

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Hlengiwe R. Phetha ◽  
Siphamandla Zondi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
Democratic Governance ◽  
Policy Position ◽  
Market Place ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Economic Paradigm ◽  
The Voice

Abstract Since 1994, South Africa has demonstrated a strong commitment to promote the interests of Africa and in being the “voice” of the continent. Through its foreign policy posture, South Africa has played a pivotal role in the African continent and the world over. After gaining its independence, South Africa had to promote a strategy of Africans speaking with one voice while still building coalitions amongst themselves. This paper examines South Africa’s approach to global issues on addressing the challenges of underdevelopment, the restructured global division of labour, the increasing iniquitous distribution of global wealth, global poverty, the growing power of trans-nationals and the implications for progressive governance and administration. The paper seeks to discuss South Africa’s foreign policy position on globalization in the era of neoliberalism. This paper uses the critical theory to report on the comprehensive scholarly literature review on the role of South Africa’s foreign policy on continental integration. The results show that South Africa needs to position itself in a new international economic paradigm that incorporates both democratic governance and an accountable and responsible market place beyond the anti-globalization stance. Furthermore, South Africa has attempted to cut the powers of colonizers in Africa, particularly the new powers whose motives fail to promote the African agenda. The paper concludes that South Africa’s policies and actions since 1994 have significantly helped the country to enhance its benefits for its population, while domestic challenges and weaknesses in its conduct have at times had a weakening effect on its endeavour to promote continental integration.

scholarly journals Nation brand and competitiveness of companies: Alternative approach to nation branding

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-57
Author(s):  
Olga A. Kusraeva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
The State ◽  
Nation Branding ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Nation Brand

The purpose of this study is to identify factors by which the nation brand builds a competitive advantage for various activities implemented in the country and to develop an alternative approach to nation branding, which allows to increase the competitiveness of companies operating in the country. The analysis of the previous research reveals that the nation brand image is formed by nation branding, which is aimed to communicate the nation brand identity. It is also determined that during the implementation of nation branding, three types of gaps can take place between nation brand image and identity and prevent the formation of competitive advantages. The research intended to identify the factors that form competitive advantages through the nation branding was performed in two steps: first, the analysis of the main approaches to nation branding on what forms a competitive advantage and then the identification of the factors based on the analysis of the functions and goals of nation branding. In addition to political, socio-cultural, and geographical factors, the research reveals the following factors: communication, uniqueness, relevance, management, and brand unity. With consideration to identified factors and the information about gaps, there was developed an alternative approach to nation branding with the goal to enhance the competitiveness of companies operating in the country. 11 characteristics underlying the alternative approach were defined. The significant role of the national priorities of the country in the formation of the nation brand is emphasized. In the framework of an alternative approach, nation brand education is marked as a key task of nation branding. The team which is responsible for nation branding will trains representatives of different fields of the state activities how to use the nation brand in order to enhance competitiveness.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE FIELD OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: CONCEPT, LEGAL REGULATION AND MAIN DIRECTIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 88-95
Author(s):  
Madina T. Aguzarova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
The State ◽  
Foreign Affairs ◽  
External Relations ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Russian Federation

The subject of the research is aspects of public administration in the field of foreign affairs in the Russian Federation: the concept, legal regulation and the main directions. Conducting an independent foreign policy is one of the main activities of the state. Public administration in the field of foreign affairs is considered as an important part of public administration in general, ensuring the position of the state in the international arena, its external relations. The objectives of the article are to define the concept of public administration in the field of foreign affairs, systematize and characterize the regulatory framework governing the studied public relations; identify the main directions of public administration in the field of foreign affairs in modern Russia.

A Foreign Policy for the State of Palestine

1989 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-28
Author(s):  
Jerome M. Segal
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
The State

Humanising the Dehumanised: Emotion and Being in the Violence of the Islamic State (IS): An Alternative Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quraysha Bibi Ismail Sooliman
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Human Agency ◽  
The State ◽  
Religious Violence ◽  
The Political ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Religious Ideology ◽  
Alternative Perspective ◽  
Western Civilisation ◽  
Ongoing Project

This paper considers the effect of violence on the emotions of IS fighters and the resultant consequences of those emotions as a factor in their choice to use violence. By interrogating the human aspect of the fighters, I am focusing not on religion but on human agency as a factor in the violence. In this regard, this paper is about reorienting the question about the violence of IS not as “religious” violence but as a response to how these fighters perceive what is happening to them and their homeland. It is about politicising the political, about the violence of the state and its coalition of killing as opposed to a consistent effort to frame the violence into an explanation of “extremist religious ideology.” This shift in analysis is significant because of the increasing harm that is caused by the rise in Islamophobia where all Muslims are considered “radical” and are dehumanised. This is by no means a new project; rather it reflects the ongoing project of distortion of and animosity toward Islam, the suspension of ethics and the naturalisation of war. It is about an advocacy for war by hegemonic powers and (puppet regimes) states against racialised groups in the name of defending liberal values. Furthermore, the myth of religious violence has served to advance the goals of power which have been used in domestic and foreign policy to marginalise and dehumanise Muslims and to portray the violence of the secular state as a justified intervention in order to protect Western civilisation and the secular subject.

The Prophetic Voice of the Church in a Democratic South Africa – A Theological Reflection

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lufuluvhi Maria Mudimeli
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
The State ◽  
Black Liberation ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Black Liberation Theology ◽  
Prophetic Voice ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Church

This article is a reflection on the role and contribution of the church in a democratic South Africa. The involvement of the church in the struggle against apartheid is revisited briefly. The church has played a pivotal and prominent role in bringing about democracy by being a prophetic voice that could not be silenced even in the face of death. It is in this time of democracy when real transformation is needed to take its course in a realistic way, where the presence of the church has probably been latent and where it has assumed an observer status. A look is taken at the dilemmas facing the church. The church should not be bound and taken captive by any form of loyalty to any political organisation at the expense of the poor and the voiceless. A need for cooperation and partnership between the church and the state is crucial at this time. This paper strives to address the role of the church as a prophetic voice in a democratic South Africa. Radical economic transformation, inequality, corruption, and moral decadence—all these challenges hold the potential to thwart our young democracy and its ideals. Black liberation theology concepts are employed to explore how the church can become prophetically relevant in democracy. Suggestions are made about how the church and the state can best form partnerships. In avoiding taking only a critical stance, the church could fulfil its mandate “in season and out of season” and continue to be a prophetic voice on behalf of ordinary South Africans.

HUKUM ISLAM DAN HUBUNGANNYA DENGAN LUAR NEGERI PASCA REFORMAS

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Salma
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
International Law ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Strong Basis ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Protection Of Human Rights ◽  
Scientific Fields

The development of Islamic law studies in Indonesia is increasingly interesting to follow. the use of a multidisciplinary approach to Islamic sciences, making the science of Islamic law not only a normative-theological analysis but also integrated with many scientific fields both in the sciences and the humanities. Contemporary global issues require observers and Islamic law reviewers to seriously review Islamic law in depth, one of the global issues that is currently interesting and has become a topic of discussion among many is the issue of the protection of human rights. Human rights formulation in international law cannot be separated from the issue of foreign policy. This paper will conduct a theoretical study of how the concept of Islamic Law itself protects human rights and how it relates to its relationship with post-reform foreign policy. This paper uses a comparative study between legislation and texts (verses) both in the Koran and the hadith, a comparative-critical analysis method makes it easier for the author to find substance in terms of answering the problem statement in this study. The results or conclusions obtained are that human rights are a reflection of carrying out Islamic law in order to realize the nature of universal human benefit. Islam considers that human rights are in accordance with sharia principles, namely protecting one's right to life. This is a strong basis for the study of Islamic law in contributing to the development of human rights principles in the international communityKeywords: Islamic Law, Human Rights, Globalization, International LawPerkembangan kajian hukum Islam di Indonesia makin menarik untuk diikuti. penggunaan pendekatan multidisipliner ilmu-ilmu keislaman, membuat ilmu hukum Islam tidak hanya bersifat normatif-teologis analisanya tapi sudah terintegrasi dengan banyak bidang keilmuan baik ilmu-ilmu sains maupun humaniora. Isu-isu global yang sifatnya kontemporer mengharuskan para pengamat dan pengkaji hukum Islam untuk serius melakukan telaah ulang terhadap ilmu hukum Islam secara mendalam, salah satu isu global yang saat ini menarik dan menjadi perbincangan banyak kalangan adalah soal perlindungan hak asasi manusia. Rumusan HAM dalam hukum internasional tidak bisa dilepaskan dengan persoalan politik luar negeri. Tulisan ini akan melakukan kajian teoritik tentang bagaimana konsep Hukum Islam itu sendiri terhadap perlindungan hak asasi manusia dan bagaimana pula terkait hubungannya dengan politik luar negeri pasca reformasi. Tulisan ini menggunakan studi komparatif antara perundangundangan dengan teks (ayat) baik itu di dalam Al-Quran maupun hadits, metode analisis-kritis komparatif memudahkan penulis menemukan substansi dalam hal untuk menjawab rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini. Hasil atau kesimpulan yang didapat adalah HAM adalah refleksi untuk menjalankan syariat Islam demi mewujudkan hakikat kemaslahatan manusia secara universal. Islam memandang bahwa HAM sesuai dengan prinsip-prinsip syariah yakni melindungi hak hidup seseorang. Hal ini merupakan dasar yang kuat untuk kajian hukum Islam dalam memberikan kontribusi pada perkembangan prinsip-prinsip hak asasi manusia di dalam masyarakat internasional.Kata Kunci: Hukum Islam, Hak Asasi Manusia, Globalisasi, Hukum Internasional

The Foreign Policy Mechanism of the Union Of South Africa and the Development of its Diplomatic Relations (1910–1948)

2020 ◽  
pp. 74-86
Author(s):  
Alexandra Arkhangelskaya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
British Empire ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
The Political ◽  
Diplomatic Relations ◽  
Economic Evolution ◽  
Local Elite ◽  
History Of

The history of the formation of South Africa as a single state is closely intertwined with events of international scale, which have accordingly influenced the definition and development of the main characteristics of the foreign policy of the emerging state. The Anglo-Boer wars and a number of other political and economic events led to the creation of the Union of South Africa under the protectorate of the British Empire in 1910. The political and economic evolution of the Union of South Africa has some specific features arising from specific historical conditions. The colonization of South Africa took place primarily due to the relocation of Dutch and English people who were mainly engaged in business activities (trade, mining, agriculture, etc.). Connected by many economic and financial threads with the elite of the countries from which the settlers left, the local elite began to develop production in the region at an accelerated pace. South Africa’s favorable climate and natural resources have made it a hub for foreign and local capital throughout the African continent. The geostrategic position is of particular importance for foreign policy in South Africa, which in many ways predetermined a great interest and was one of the fundamental factors of international involvement in the development of the region. The role of Jan Smuts, who served as Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa from 1919 to 1924 and from 1939 to 1948, was particularly prominent in the implementation of the foreign and domestic policy of the Union of South Africa in the focus period of this study. The main purpose of this article is to study the process of forming the mechanisms of the foreign policy of the Union of South Africa and the development of its diplomatic network in the period from 1910 to 1948.

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