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 Africa’s foreign policy? This has been an area of continuous discussion followi... 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 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]
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Papers by Lesley M Masters
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
Africa. Africa Institute of South Africa Press, Pretoria.
Implementation in Southern Africa. Africa Institute of South Africa, Pretoria
foreign policy.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.