The oligarchic-rationalist foreign policy model of South Africa's De Klerk government, 1989-1994
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Date
2013
Authors
Landsberg, Chris
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
It is almost 20 years since South Africa became a constitutional democracy, and it is a good time to
reflect not only on the past two decades but on the transition period of 1989-1994. When Frederik
Willem de Klerk became the National Party “hoofleier” or chief leader, and eventually executive
President of South Africa on 20 September 1989, one could not have imagined the impact he and
his party would have, not only on the country’s domestic and international politics, but also on the
decision-making processes and structures of the Republic. In this article the focus falls on foreign policy
making and formulation under the De Klerk government during the period 1989 to 1994, as well as
dissecting the agencies that were entrusted with operationalising foreign policy. Emphasis is on De
Klerk’s oligarchic-rationalist foreign policy model which stressed civilianisation and the restoration
of the cabinet in decision making, and a move away from PW Botha’s militaristic and securocratic
methods of decision making. Indeed, when De Klerk addressed parliament in his epoch-making speech
on 2 February 1990, and embarked on his de-isolation strategies for the pariah state, he appreciated
the need for the democratisation of decision and policy formulation structures that would help to end
decades of ostracism and global banishment.
Description
Keywords
De Klerk’s oligarchich-rationalist foreign policy, Foreign policy executive, Innercircle, Rational actor model, Reformist actions, Lack of international experience, A quick learner, Internationalisation and de-isolation, Normalisation, Reform, Open door approach, Civilianisation, Constitutional negotiations, Transitional Executive Council, “New” diplomacy
Citation
Landsberg, C. (2013). The oligarchic-rationalist foreign policy model of South Africa's De Klerk government, 1989-1994. Journal for Contemporary History, 38(2), 139-156.