South Africa Into The 1980s

The question of South Africa's future has become a paramount issue in global politics. This book examines the position of South Africa as it faces the 1980s—its strengths, its weaknesses, and the probable influences of other states on South Africa in the years to come. The authors share a common interest in an analytical approach to a topic often argued with more emotion than rationality. They discuss South Africa's internal situation, with particular emphasis on the interests and aspirations of the political parties competing for power; then they focus on external realities, looking at the country's ability to project influence abroad as well as the power of others to affect events within it. In sum, they highlight crucial trends shaping South Africa's current and future development.

Introduction -- Internal Dynamics and Sources of Change -- The Afrikaner Nationalist Perspective -- The Black Community -- Black Labor as a Swing Factor in South Africa's Evolution -- External Linkages and Pressures -- Current and Projected Military Balances in Southern Africa -- The African States as a Source of Change -- South Africa in Soviet Strategy -- Evolving American Views of South Africa -- The European Connection: How Durable? -- How Strategic Is South Africa? -- Conclusion

"Richard E. Bissell is managing editor of ORBIS and research associate at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Chester A. Crocker is director of African studies at Georgetown University's Center for Strategic and International Studies and associate professor of international relations at the university's School of Foreign Service."