South Africa’s ‘Quiet Diplomacy’ towards Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• Published in: African Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies 2024-04, Vol.13 (1), p.191-208
• Main Author: Mkhize, Mbekezeli Comfort
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2022 AD; Analysis; Best interests; Comparative analysis; Complex theory; Conflict management; Conflict resolution; Developing countries; Diplomacy; Dlamini-Zuma, Nkosazana; Food prices; Foreign policy; Geopolitics; Global economy; Hegemony; Human security; International relations; International trade; LDCs; Quiet diplomacy; Regional security; Regional Security Complex Theory; Russia-Ukraine conflict; South Africa; Trade relations
• ISSN: 2634-3657; 2634-3665
• DOI: 10.31920/2634-3665/2024/v13n1a10

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has received wide scholarly attention for various reasons. The conflict has considerably disrupted global economy, trade relations, and supply of goods and services. It has arguably resulted in major shifts in geopolitical and geostrategic arrangements. The conflict has also had dire consequences on the developing countries including South Africa. The food and fuel prices have reached unprecedented levels. Considering this, the primary objective of this paper was to examine the rationale behind South Africa’s ‘quiet diplomacy’ towards the conflict. To achieve this objective, the paper critically reviewed related literature as a method of inquiry. A myriad of documents focusing on the conflict and South Africa’s response were, therefore, reviewed. The paper also employed regional security complex theory and hegemony theory as the lens to elucidate the causes, demystify and dissect the impact of the conflict on a global scale. The paper revealed that, although South Africa’s unaligned position may not be in the best interest of the West, the decision is important to advocate dialogue as opposed to picking a side. It is also important to maintain historical ties and diplomatic relations. The paper filled the lacuna existing regarding the rationale behind South Africa’s nonaligned posture. It offered a comparative analysis. By filling this lacuna, the paper thus contributed to the body of knowledge regarding the rapidly changing dynamics in global politics and foregrounded South Africa’s diplomatic relations with other countries. Consequently, the paper recommended that dialogue or negotiated settlement be considered as sustainable conflict management and resolution strategy.