Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The Incompatibility of Peacemaking and Military Power |
Author: | Harris, Geoff |
Year: | 2001 |
Periodical: | South African Journal of International Affairs |
Volume: | 8 |
Issue: | 1 |
Period: | Summer |
Pages: | 67-74 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | South Africa |
Subjects: | conflict resolution defence Politics and Government Inter-African Relations Military, Defense and Arms |
External link: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10220460109545340 |
Abstract: | South African political leaders and public servants have made clear their desire for South Africa to play a major role as peacemaker in southern Africa. However, the acceptance of an individual as a peacemaker by parties to a dispute depends on the perceived characterisitics of the potential peacemaker. This paper argues that South Africa violates many of the desirable attributes of a peacemaker. Particularly, South Africa's foreign policy objective to act as a peacemaker is compromised by its degree of militarization. The major determinant of the country's military expenditure is the military pressure group, whose success is reinforced by two widely-held but questionable beliefs, viz. that a strong military is necessary to promote 'security', and that a strong military is necessary for national pride and status. Ref. [ASC Leiden abstract] |