Lesley M Masters | Nottingham Trent University (original) (raw)

Papers by Lesley M Masters

Journal for Contemporary History, 2016

While debate continues around the usefulness of the concept of Science Diplomacy, in practice int... more While debate continues around the usefulness of the concept of Science Diplomacy, in practice international scientific relations are already facilitating diplomatic engagement, and diplomatic relations are supporting international scientific engagement. This interaction takes place in the context of the current global knowledge structure where industrialised or developed states are the "producers" of knowledge, and developing states the "consumers". With science, technology and innovation integral to addressing transnational challenges, this article considers the expanding body of literature, which is primarily from developed states, highlighting the shortfall in understanding the role of developing states in science diplomacy. The article then considers developments in South Africa's science diplomacy, arguing that Pretoria demonstrates a two-track approach; one that reflects the state's pursuit of international recognition as a "producer" and exporter of knowledge at the centre of the global knowledge structure; and the second, where a shortfall in capacity and resources has increasingly seen the state as a "consumer" or importer of knowledge in meeting domestic priorities.

In the main, the study of South Africa’s post-apartheid foreign policy has been preoccupied with ... more In the main, the study of South Africa’s post-apartheid foreign policy has been preoccupied with the examination of policy performance with comparatively little critical reflection on the role of actors within the so-called ‘black box’ of foreign policy decision-making. This analysis moves away from this particular approach by identifying the actors seeking an influence in the making of the ‘new’ South Africa’s foreign policy. The thesis contends that while South Africa’s post-apartheid presidents have maintained a predominant position at the centre of the decision-making process, this has not excluded influence from a number of stakeholders. Following South Africa’s democratic transition (1994), a growing number of state and non-state actors from the domestic and international milieu have been active in pursuing a position near the centre of the foreign policy process. Through a longitudinal analysis, covering the period 1994-2007, this thesis examines the role played by the presid...

Parliamentary Diplomacy in European and Global Governance, 2017

South African Journal of International Affairs

"This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the foreseeable world order. Intel... more "This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the foreseeable world order. Intellectually stimulating and full of new ideas for policymakers and stakeholders operating in Africa, this edited volume is scrupulously careful to report only the facts about the continent's foreign relations, within the region and with the rest of the world. Francis Onditi and his collaborators have offered a new depiction of what they call the 'foreseeable world order' that may achieve a longstanding African aspiration to set a global agenda."-DOUGLAS YATES, American University of Paris "At a time when the African Union is engaged in a far-reaching debate on institutional and financial reform, Contemporary Africa and the Foreseeable World Order offers timely and stimulating perspectives on the place of the African continent in a changing world order. This is an important contribution to international relations scholarship on Africa, with an interest in changing values, rules, and institutions in Africa and how these relate to emerging new powers such as China."-ULF ENGEL, University of Leipzig Contemporary Africa and the Foreseeable World Order sheds light on the place of "Af-rica Agency" in the competitive and changing global system, providing those studying and working on African issues with innovative solutions, strategies, knowledge, and insights to support decision-making on how best African states should position themselves in the dynamic global system in order to influence key decisions.

Politeia

Who makes South Africaâ€™s foreign policy? This has been an area of continuous discussion followi... more Who makes South Africaâ€™s foreign policy? This has been an area of continuous discussion following South Africaâ€™s transition to democracy in 1994. In the foreign policy analysis discourse considerable attention has been given to the role of the head of state and government in shaping foreign policy, particularly in developed countries. With South Africaâ€™s own President assuming a predominant role in foreign policy, there is a need for further reflection on the impact of this position in foreign policy decision making. Using existing theory and current analysis this article highlights the different approaches adopted by South Africaâ€™s first four democratically elected presidents, from the international statesmanship of Mandela, to the micro-management of Mbeki, the stabiliser role of Motlanthe and the consensus-building to absent leader position of Jacob Zuma. Drawing on Joseph Nyeâ€™s discussion of the characterisation of transformational and transactional leadership, this an...

South African Journal of International Affairs

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) builds on the exponential growth of digital capacities, bl... more The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) builds on the exponential growth of digital capacities, blurring the lines between the physical and digital spheres. Following its recognition as a phenomenon at the 2016 World Economic Forum, analysis has mainly focused on assessing the socioeconomic challenges and benefits that advancements in science, technology and innovation hold. Yet there remains a shortfall in understanding the impact of these digital technologies from the perspective of international relations and diplomacy, particularly on questions of equality, governance, and emerging transnational relations. For Africa, participation in negotiating the international governance of digital technologies is critical in mitigating a peripheral role in the international knowledge structure, ensuring transformational rather than transactional relations when it comes to the 4IR. This article argues that analysis of digital diplomacy as diplomacy for digital technologyie, negotiating the governance of digital technologiesprovides a useful lens for critically assessing Africa vis-à-vis the 4IR.

Who makes South Africa's foreign policy? this has been an area of continuous discussion following... more Who makes South Africa's foreign policy? this has been an area of continuous discussion following South Africa's transition to democracy in 1994. In the foreign policy analysis discourse, considerable attention has been given to the role of the head of state and government in shaping foreign policy, particularly in developed countries. With South africa's own President assuming a predominant role in foreign policy, there is a need for further reflection on the impact of this position in foreign policy decision making. Using existing theory and current analysis this article highlights the different approaches adopted by South Africa's first four democratically elected presidents, from the international statesmanship of Mandela, to the micro-management of Mbeki, the stabiliser role of Motlanthe and the consensus-building to absent leader position of Jacob Zuma. drawing on Joseph Nye's discussion of the characterisation of transformational and transactional leadership, this analysis traces the approaches of the different Presidents in shaping South Africa's foreign policy and international engagement.

From MDGs to Sustainable Development Goals: The Travails of International Development. S. Zondi and P. Mthembu (eds), 2017

As the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) rapidly approach their 2015 target date for implementa... more As the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) rapidly approach their 2015 target date for implementation, international negotiations on the future of the post-2015 Development Agenda formally began at the 69th Session of the UN general Assembly (2014). During the course of the year that follows, developing countries will look to play a more central role in shaping an agenda in which they have a critical stake. Within the discourse there is, however, already indications of the growing divide between the global North and South. This binary division along a geo-political construct obscures nuances in positions. South Africa sits at a pivot, participating in continental wide discussions and signalling ‘solidarity’ with developing countries of the South, and engaging with the G20 working group on development and as a non-member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). While this presents a number of opportunities for diplomatic engagement, including promoting the voices of the South, or as bridge builder in addressing divisions between developed and developing country positions, South Africa has yet to develop a strategic role conception, which could ultimately compromise the country’s future role in these international negotiations.

Discussion summary of the workshop on the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership at 10.

Article as a contribution to the special issue of the South African Journal of International Affa... more Article as a contribution to the special issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs reviewing ten years of the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership.

ABSTRACT
Strategic partnerships are seen as a means of elevating bilateral
relations between two countries, or in the case of the European
Union (EU), relations between an intergovernmental organisation
and its 10 identified strategic partners. There is a growing body of
analysis on the value of these strategic partnerships for the two
partner states, yet just what role this partnership has within wider
multilateral forums is an area for further discussion. This article
explores the role that the EU–South Africa Strategic Partnership
plays in shaping engagement between the bilateral partners in
multilateral contexts. In reviewing the partnership over the course
of its first decade, the article argues that South Africa has
increasingly acknowledged its potential value. However, further
interrogation on how to manage the complex intersection
between bilateral and multilateral relations is called for if the
strategic partnership is to be used to optimal effect as a tool of
foreign policy.

Editorial for the special issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs on reviewin... more Editorial for the special issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs on reviewing the first decade of the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership.

This special issue is unique in the sense that it sets out to engage on issues within the gambit ... more This special issue is unique in the sense that it sets out to engage on issues within the gambit of African diplomacy, a theme that deserves constant focus given its centrality in Africa’s quest for influence in global affairs. Against a backdrop of Africa’s marginalisation in knowledge production and dissemination in what appears to be an increasingly unilateralist world, this issue is topical and timely.
This is the gap in the conversation on diplomacy that the SARChI Chair in African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at the University of Johannesburg seeks to fill in supporting this special issue, and it is the context in which the authors of the
articles were invited to contribute their analyses in taking the discussion on African diplomacy forward.

While debate continues around the usefulness of the concept of Science Diplomacy, in practice int... more While debate continues around the usefulness of the concept of Science Diplomacy, in practice international scientific relations are already facilitating diplomatic engagement, and diplomatic relations are supporting international scientific engagement. This interaction takes place in the context of the current global knowledge structure where industrialised or developed states are the " producers " of knowledge, and developing states the " consumers ". With science, technology and innovation integral to addressing transnational challenges, this article considers the expanding body of literature, which is primarily from developed states, highlighting the shortfall in understanding the role of developing states in science diplomacy. The article then considers developments in South Africa's science diplomacy, arguing that Pretoria demonstrates a two-track approach; one that reflects the state's pursuit of international recognition as a " producer " and exporter of knowledge at the centre of the global knowledge structure; and the second, where a shortfall in capacity and resources has increasingly seen the state as a " consumer " or importer of knowledge in meeting domestic priorities.

Discussions concerning the role of citizens in shaping foreign policy saw the release of the book... more Discussions concerning the role of citizens in shaping foreign policy saw the release of the book‚ Democratizing Foreign Policy? Lessons from South Africa in 2004. This reflected on whether it was possible to translate South Africa’s broader experience in the consolidation of democracy into foreign policy processes. Despite this interest, these discussions have remained largely peripheral, even though the South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR) has now been officially launched by the Zuma administration.

In building an understanding of the different perspectives from across South Africa’s foreign policy, the SARChI Chair in African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung South Africa, with support from the Foundation for Human Rights, hosted a half-day workshop on 24 July 2015 reflecting on the inclusivity of South Africa’s foreign policy. The workshop was well attended by stakeholders, reflecting the diversity of institutions and organisations looking to contribute to South Africa’s foreign policy.This proceedings report reflects the discussions and debates at the workshop, with particular consideration of the draft White Paper and future participation in foreign policy processes.

This analysis considers the emergence of South Africa's parliamentary diplomacy, or the role of P... more This analysis considers the emergence of South Africa's parliamentary diplomacy, or the role of Parliament on the international stage, since 1994. The early discourse both within Parliament and in academic analysis, reflects an emphasis on the role of oversight and the role of Parliament in the foreign policy decision-making process. Recognition of the role of parliamentary diplomacy has been slow to develop, although
Parliament is increasingly acknowledging its role as an international actor. This has seen the development of structures and policy to support this. The value of parliamentary diplomacy as part of a country's
international relations, however, remains an area in need of further deliberation. This analysis begins by unpacking the concept of parliamentary diplomacy before addressing the emerging role and value of parliamentary diplomacy for South Africa, particularly through the linkages between parliamentary diplomacy and soft power in promoting foreign policy.

With a changing geopolitical landscape following the Northern-induced global financial meltdown, ... more With a changing geopolitical landscape following the Northern-induced global financial meltdown, stagnation on global governance reform and failure to reach agreement on issues ranging from trade (Doha Development Round) to climate
change (United Nations Convention on Climate Change), the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum finds itself at the proverbial crossroads. At this point, with no summit having taken place since 2011, the future of IBSA is uncertain in part because the three IBSA partners have allowed ambivalence and
lack of leadership to hold sway. Yet the current fluidity in the international environment has ironically meant that IBSA is more relevant and needed than ever before. IBSA is well placed to play a vital role in arresting the current trajectory of the global governance architecture, particularly when it comes to
concerns of development. As this article argues, it is in the area of development cooperation that IBSA has found its niche in demonstrating the possibilities that development diplomacy and South–South cooperation avail, while challenging
traditional norm conceptions when it comes to the future of international development financial institutions. Yet the question remains as to how this will be used going forward, as there is little strategic discussion between the trilateral partners on the future of development diplomacy and the IBSA Fund.

Border Crossing, Jul 2015

South African Foreign Policy Review Volume 2, 2015

Full details of chapter Chris Landsberg, Lesley Masters, Jo-Ansie van Wyk, and Siphamandla Zondi... more Full details of chapter
Chris Landsberg, Lesley Masters, Jo-Ansie van Wyk, and Siphamandla Zondi. ‘South Africa’s Foreign Policy, Principles and Practice: An Invitation to Conversations’, in Lesley Masters, Siphamandla Zondi, Jo-Ansie van Wyk and Chris Landsberg (Eds.) South African foreign policy review. Volume 2. African Institute of South Africa (AISA): Pretoria. 2015. [ISBN 978-0-7983-0439-9]

Journal for Contemporary History, 2016

Parliamentary Diplomacy in European and Global Governance, 2017

South African Journal of International Affairs

Politeia

South African Journal of International Affairs

From MDGs to Sustainable Development Goals: The Travails of International Development. S. Zondi and P. Mthembu (eds), 2017

Discussion summary of the workshop on the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership at 10.

While debate continues around the usefulness of the concept of Science Diplomacy, in practice int... more While debate continues around the usefulness of the concept of Science Diplomacy, in practice international scientific relations are already facilitating diplomatic engagement, and diplomatic relations are supporting international scientific engagement. This interaction takes place in the context of the current global knowledge structure where industrialised or developed states are the " producers " of knowledge, and developing states the " consumers ". With science, technology and innovation integral to addressing transnational challenges, this article considers the expanding body of literature, which is primarily from developed states, highlighting the shortfall in understanding the role of developing states in science diplomacy. The article then considers developments in South Africa's science diplomacy, arguing that Pretoria demonstrates a two-track approach; one that reflects the state's pursuit of international recognition as a " producer " and exporter of knowledge at the centre of the global knowledge structure; and the second, where a shortfall in capacity and resources has increasingly seen the state as a " consumer " or importer of knowledge in meeting domestic priorities.

Border Crossing, Jul 2015

South African Foreign Policy Review Volume 2, 2015

From the Outside In: Domestic actors and South Africa's foreign policy, 2017

The inclusive participation of women in governance and concerns around gender are areas of priori... more The inclusive participation of women in governance and concerns around gender are areas of priority in post-apartheid South Africa’s progressive Constitution, and across a number of policy areas. When it comes to foreign policy, however, there is little significant debate on the role and impact of gender and gendered perceptions. Where discussions have taken place this has, in the main, focused on the need for adequate representation, or the number of women employed within DIRCO, rather than questioning their agency in shaping and implementing foreign policy. There is certainly much more to the gender discourse and its implications for foreign policy than a focus on adequate representation. This includes questions of gender mainstreaming, with its focus on the integration of gender concerns into policy-making.

What is South Africa’s foreign policy, who makes it and why does it matter? These are the varied ... more What is South Africa’s foreign policy, who makes it and why does it matter? These are the varied questions that scholarship has grappled with following South Africa’s triumphant return to the global stage in 1994. In this edited volume, the authors assess the position and input of actors beyond the traditional structures of the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, most notably civil society actors in foreign policy decision-making. In an environment where domestic actors are argued to be found increasingly on the outside of policy decision-making circles, this book brings back into the fold the discussion of the value of participation. In looking at foreign policy through the different standpoints of other government departments, parliament, labour, business, the African National Congress (ANC), civil society and the role of gender, the chapters offer insights into how South Africa’s foreign policy is understood and how these actors seek an input in its direction. It is this engagement that ultimately makes foreign policy matter to all South Africans as the country moves forward in a turbid international environment.

Parliamentary Diplomacy in Europe and Global Governance. S. Stavridis and D. Jancic (eds). Brill/Nijhoff , 2017

Following South Africa’s negotiated transition, the new democratic parliament found itself largel... more Following South Africa’s negotiated transition, the new democratic parliament found itself largely relegated to the periphery when it came to the country’s international relations. With a growing scope for non-state and sub-national actors to play a role in South Africa’s international relations, parliament too has sought to define its international agency. This has seen the development of a parliamentary international relations programme of action aimed at developing and strengthening partnerships in Africa, advancing multilateralism and bilateralism through friendship societies and strategic groups, and providing for public input into South Africa’s international relations. This chapter examines South Africa’s parliamentary diplomacy with a focus on its contribution to promoting the 'African Agenda' as defined by Pretoria. It argues that there remains a shortfall when it comes to the strategic value of parliamentary diplomacy, which in turn impacts on its efficacy in practice, particularly when it comes to promoting South Africa’s foreign policy priorities, interests and values.

Free download until June 2020. Available at https://muse.jhu.edu/book/21665

Masters, L and Kisiangani, E (eds) (2010) Natural Resources Governance in Southern Africa. Afric... more Masters, L and Kisiangani, E (eds) (2010) Natural Resources Governance in Southern

Africa. Africa Institute of South Africa Press, Pretoria.

Masters, L and Duff, L (eds) 2011. Overcoming Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation Implementati... more Masters, L and Duff, L (eds) 2011. Overcoming Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation

Implementation in Southern Africa. Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria

The start of the 5th Democratic Parliament has seen a great deal of attention given to the 'fireb... more The start of the 5th Democratic Parliament has seen a great deal of attention given to the 'firebrand' role of the EFF and the new party's expected role in Parliament.

South African Foreign Policy Review. Volume 3., 2019

An invitation to the launch of volume 3.

Looking back over 25 years the third volume of the South African Foreign Policy Review assesses q... more Looking back over 25 years the third volume of the South African Foreign Policy Review assesses questions of continuity and change in South African foreign policy. With the resignation of Jacob Zuma as President of South Africa (2018), this timely volume provides insight into the country’s foreign policy during his administration. Navigating foreign policy issues and actors that shape the country’s international relations, contributors assess the role of the foreign minister, special advisers, think tanks and other domestic sources looking to shape foreign policy. Growing domestic interest in South Africa’s international conduct has raised public debate on questions of foreign policy, which authors grapple with in chapters addressing the country’s approach to strategic partnerships, South Africa and the ICC, international trade, development cooperation and nuclear diplomacy. As the country moves forward under new leadership, the book hopes to contribute to, and support further discussion on the future shape and direction of South African
foreign policy.

Co-edited by Lesley Masters and Jo-Ansie van Wyk. Due for release in November 2018.

Between Plein Street and Soutpansberg Road: Parliament and foreign policy during the Zuma preside... more Between Plein Street and Soutpansberg Road: Parliament and foreign policy during the Zuma presidency

My forthcoming chapter in
Chris Landsberg and Lesley Masters’ (editors), From the outside in: Domestic actors and South Africa’s foreign policy. 2017. Johannesburg: Fanele. ISBN 978-1-928232-42-1.

From 7 to 15 June 2015 South Africa played host to the African Union (AU) Summit, which was held ... more From 7 to 15 June 2015 South Africa played host to the African
Union (AU) Summit, which was held under the theme,
‘Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards
Africa’s Agenda 2063’. The summit itself was overshadowed
by the presence of Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir,
who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for
crimes against humanity, and the failure of South Africa to
detain him in line with obligations under the ICC. This has
proved to be a watershed for South Africa’s foreign policy,
the courts and the Constitution, with internationally binding
agreements going unfulfi lled and the principles guiding
South Africa’s international relations found wanting.

Summary Proceedings report: The EU-AU summit taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (20-30 Novemb... more Summary Proceedings report: The EU-AU summit taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (20-30 November 2017) provides the context for bringing together members of the EU from Brussels, key members of the South African Department of International Affairs and Cooperation (DIRCO), and academics from Africa to take stock, address past concerns and to reflect on the future of the relationship between the two major institutions.

South African Foreign Policy Review Volume 4: Foreign Policy, Change and the Zuma Years, 2019

The analyses of democracy and South Africa’s foreign policy has seen two predominant approaches. ... more The analyses of democracy and South Africa’s foreign policy has seen two predominant approaches. The first, and most frequently used, is the outward-looking analysis assessing the successes and constraints in the promotion of democracy internationally. Here the promotion of democracy is used as a measure in analyzing how the country fares in reconciling foreign policy principles with practice. This has seen criticism of Pretoria’s continued relations with authoritarian regimes such as Libya, Iran, China, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. Beyond these bilateral relations, there is also analysis of South Africa’s role in the pursuit of the democratisation of institutions of global governance as the country calls for an inclusionary approach towards international relations, particularly in the context of the United Nations Security Council and international institutions such as the World Trade Organisation and International Monetary Fund.
The second approach is inward looking and is the focus of this chapter. It is concerned with the internal democratic (or not) nature of the foreign policy process in decision-making and implementation, and whether this reflects the principles espoused by South Africa’s Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). This chapter begins by considering the link between democracy, oversight and the foreign policy process before providing a critical refection of oversight and South Africa’s foreign policy.

Global South Powers in Transition: A Comparative Analysis, 2019

Foreign policy is framed by the realities of a state's physical, international geographical posit... more Foreign policy is framed by the realities of a state's physical, international geographical position, as well as historical and curret domestic political context. Since the 1990s, and following their democratisation and integration into the global system of governance, Mexico and South Africa have sought to pursue active roles on the international stage. ...

International relations remain concerned with the preservation of national self‐determination and... more International relations remain concerned with the preservation of national self‐determination and sovereignty. The result is that those wishing to travel beyond their country borders need to pass through various immigration control posts. The natural world, however, is not governed by such political borders. Natural ecosystems cross countries, birds migrate thousands of miles from the north to the south and back again, river systems may flow through numerous countries. As countries look to address the impact of continued environmental degradation, and as the world increasingly faces its finite ecological boundaries, the need for further cooperation on natural resources has seen environmental diplomacy come to the fore. Distinct from environmental activism and conservation, environmental diplomacy is concerned with method, or “how” agreements are reached in the management of transnational environmental challenges.

The Encyclopedia of Diplomacy, 2018

There are a variety of words used today to describe the transfer of financial and other resources... more There are a variety of words used today to describe the transfer of financial and other resources from one country to another, or even from a non‐state donor to a recipient country, including “foreign aid,” “official development assistance,” “humanitarian aid,” “development cooperation,” and even “finance for development.” Each of these terms represents a particular lens through which the transfer of resources from one country to another can be understood. As this practice increased, following the end of World War II, diplomats have found themselves drawn into activities such as identifying development needs, negotiating bilateral, multilateral, and trilateral development assistance agreements, and managing country relations often marred by the impact of inequality in donor–recipient relations. This entry discusses the evolution of aid as a foreign policy tool, paying attention to the negotiations on aid effectiveness and the changing international dynamics, norms, and actors that have contributed to the ongoing transition from a Western‐led aid regime to a global partnership on development cooperation.

Chapter in Chris Landsberg and Lesley Masters' (editors) From the outside in: Domestic actors and... more Chapter in Chris Landsberg and Lesley Masters' (editors) From the outside in: Domestic actors and South Africa's foreign policy. Johannesburg: Fanele. 2017.

Politeia, 2017

Guest edited edition POLITEIA ISSN: 0256-8845 www.upjournals.co.za VOL 36, NO 1 (2017): POWE... more Guest edited edition

POLITEIA

ISSN: 0256-8845
www.upjournals.co.za

VOL 36, NO 1 (2017): POWER, POLITICS AND THE PRESIDENCY IN SOUTH AFRICA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL
Jo-Ansie van Wyk

ARTICLES
Presidencies and Policy in Post-apartheid South Africa
Vusi Gumede

The RARE Leadership Model, Jacob Zuma and Nkandla: Thoughts on the Virtues of Leadership
Craig Bailie

Semi-presidentialism and Subjugation of Parliament and Party in the Presidency of South Africa’s Jacob Zuma
Susan Booysen

Saints or Sinners: Public Evaluations of Post-Apartheid South African Presidents
Jamy Felton

South Africa’s Post-apartheid Foreign Policy Making and the Role of the President
Lesley Masters

BOOK REVIEW: Bending the Rules – From De Klerk to Mandela: Stories of a Pioneering Diplomat, by R... more BOOK REVIEW: Bending the Rules – From De Klerk to Mandela: Stories of a Pioneering Diplomat, by Rafique Gangat, 2017, Cape Town, Kwela Books, 189 pp., R230 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-7957-0807-7

Building an understanding of the theory and practice of diplomacy relies on contributions from both researchers and practitioners. While there is a growing literature in the field of diplomatic studies, more practitioners should be encouraged to share their perspective of diplomacy in practice. It is in this respect that Bending the Rules – From De Klerk to Mandela contributes to the field of diplomacy; in relaying the experiences of a South African diplomat, it offers a first-hand account of international relations during a period of transition and the country’s re-emergence onto the world stage.