'South Africa’s Security Engagement in the Region – Lessons for IBSA?’

The chapter looks at South Africa’s interaction with its neighbours, and its policies, aims, ambitions and vision for the subregion of Southern Africa as well as the African continent as a whole. It starts by defining which geographical areas are seen to constitute South Africa’s ‘region’. It then discusses the main actual or potential security threats in this region which affect South Africa’s foreign and security policies. Moving on to South Africa’s status and position in the region, the question is raised whether South Africa is a middle power, an emerging power, or even a hegemon. This debate is followed by a review of the foreign and security policies South Africa has pursued in the last decade in Africa. This review reveals that South Africa, perhaps paradoxically, wields more influence in the continental African Union than it does in its own neighbourhood of Southern Africa.