United States Policy Towards South Africa (1948-2008)

The United States has attached great importance to South Africa because of its strategic position and abundant mineral resources,which enables the U.S.to penetrate into southern Africa and interfere in its internal affairs.After the Second World War,the South Africa government began to adopt the apartheid policy, which was firmly opposed by the international community,and made it difficult for the U.S.government to develop a normal relationship with South Africa.But for the sake of strategic interests,the U.S.adopted rhetoric of opposition outwardly while secretly supporting the South African government at the same time.In the 1970s,President Carter advocated the promotion of human rights worldwide,which marked the beginning of the human rights diplomacy in U.S. foreign relations.And the succeeding Reagan Administration even held on to the double standards on human rights,turning a blind eye to South Africa's apartheid policy,making South Africa serve the U.S.on a global scale to contain the Soviet Union.When the Cold War was over,the U.S.policy toward South Africa changed as well.At present human rights are no longer the priority on the U.S.agenda, replaced by economic and trade cooperation.National interests get the upper hand again.By studying the changes of U.S.policy toward South Africa after the Second World War,this thesis will help us understand the evolution of the relationship between the United States and South Africa.Also by comparing the U.S.policy towards South Africa in different periods,we can have a clear view about the interweaving of the two most influential factors --- the strategic interests and human rights --- in the U.S.diplomacy.Furthermore,it will help us to get insight into the substance of the U.S.foreign policy.