QUIET DIPLOMACY: SOUTH AFRICA’S WAY OF DEALING WITH ZIMBABWE DURING THE PRESIDENCY OF THABO MBEKI
QUIET DIPLOMACY: SOUTH AFRICA’S WAY OF DEALING WITH ZIMBABWE DURING THE PRESIDENCY OF THABO MBEKI

Summary/Abstract: This article focuses on the various forms of interactions taking place between the governments of South Africa and Zimbabwe since 1999. It aims to unveil the particular actions that South Africa has taken to ensure that its neighbour stays on the path towards democratization, and tries to provide reasoning for any such action. Furthermore, unveils a particular strain of diplomacy deployed by authorities in Pretoria, one that values secrecy and in which contestation is avoided. South Africa is the regional hegemon, nonetheless, its interactions with Zimbabwe are non-intrusive to the point that they become difficult to quantify or qualify. The use of soft power and carrots, rather than sticks is due to a long-standing relationship between the two countries, both political and economic, rendering it difficult to force transition upon Zimbabwe, without risking a backlash, and without endangering both regional security and that of the citizens of Zimbabwe. With that in mind, the article concludes that the approach of Pretoria’s government towards Harare is not necessarily detrimental to South Africa’s long-term aspirations, even if it does not quench the thirst of critics calling for rapid democratization techniques.

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