Realism and Neo-Realism in Foreign Policy

Realism and Neo-Realism

• Realism in foreign policy focuses on national interest and maintaining a balance of power.
• The national interest is defined as preserving, protecting, and securing a nation's claims, objectives, goals, demands, and interests in relation to other nations.
• Neo-Realism emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where states act to maximize their power to protect themselves.
• Neo-realism advocates for accommodating power distributions to prevent one state from dominating others.

Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

• Public opinion studies suggest that the public can have coherent views on foreign policy, even with limited information.
• The public's core values and beliefs serve as heuristics, guiding their general stance on foreign policy.
• Public interest in foreign policy is generally low, except during times of crisis, war, or when they feel directly affected.
• The media plays a significant role in influencing public opinion and, consequently, foreign policy.

Media and the "CNN Effect"

• The "CNN Effect" refers to the ability of 24-hour news channels to significantly influence the actions of policymakers through real-time coverage of events.
• Media coverage often makes distant events more visible to the public, influencing their understanding and perceptions.
• The media can influence foreign policy through agenda-setting, priming, and framing.

South African Foreign Policy

• South African foreign policy is shaped by a complex interplay of factors including historical context, domestic politics, and regional interests.
• Key features of South African foreign policy include a commitment to human rights, democracy, international law, peace, and the interests of Africa.
• Over time, different presidential administrations have emphasized different aspects of South African foreign policy.
• South African foreign policy has evolved since the transition to democracy in 1994, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and development in Africa.
• South African foreign policy is influenced by various institutions, including think tanks, media, the judiciary, and regional organizations.

South Africa's Role in International Organizations

• South Africa's involvement in the United Nations Security Council has been marked by both successes and criticisms.
• South Africa's voting record at the UN has been criticized for inconsistencies and perceived favoritism toward certain powers, while supporters highlight its achievements in promoting African issues.
• South Africa's stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has shifted from strong support to questioning its principles, particularly regarding African sovereignty.
• This led to South Africa's withdrawal from the ICC in 2016, although the withdrawal was later revoked by the High Court.

South African Foreign Policy in Action

• South Africa has played a prominent role in conflict mediation in Africa, with varying levels of success.
• Examples include mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Zimbabwe, and Côte d'Ivoire.
• South Africa's mediation efforts are often criticized for prioritizing national economic interests over principles of justice and fairness.
• The recent conflict in Ukraine has put pressure on South Africa's active non-alignment policy.
• South Africa's actions on the ICC and in the Ukraine conflict highlight the complex dynamics of international relations and the challenges of balancing national interests with global principles.

This quiz explores the concepts of realism and neo-realism in international relations, focusing on national interest and power dynamics. It also discusses the impact of public opinion on foreign policy, highlighting the role of media and public beliefs. Test your understanding of these important theories and their relevance in global affairs.