Description
This study examines South Africa's foreign economic policy in the post-1994 era through the theoretical framework of role theory. Following the end of the Apartheid regime, South Africa underwent an important transformation in its global identity and engagement. The study employs role theory to analyse how South Africa defined and enacted its role in the international economic landscape during this period. Emphasising economic diplomacy as a key instrument, the country transitioned from isolation to active participation in global economic forums. South Africa sought to project itself as a responsible and influential actor, engaging in trade and investment diplomacy to enhance its economic standing. Regionally, under the Thabo Mbeki presidency, South Africa assumed a key leadership role in the African Renaissance project and leveraged its membership in the BRICS group to shape the global economic agenda but also represent Africa’s interests in the G20 and various G7 meetings, where its leaders have been regularly invited. Nonetheless, challenges, including internal inequalities and criticisms of the distribution of economic benefits, highlight the complexities in aligning global economic roles with domestic realities.
This study contributes to the understanding of South Africa's post-apartheid foreign economic policy and underscores the utility of role theory in explaining the dynamics of state behavior in the international economic arena. Moreover, its set ups a key debate about how middle powers such as South Africa can exercise influence in the global economy, given the limits to their economic and diplomatic reach in a world where competition over trade and investment have shaped how states behave.
