U.S. Foreign Policy towards Apartheid South Africa: The Reagan Administration as a Case Study

Abstract

This thesis examines the United States’ position towards Apartheid in South Africa during the Reagan administration (1981-1988), It investigates the reasons behind the Reagan administration’s continued support for the Apartheid government despite human rights violations. By examining the historical context and tracing the evolution of the United States’ stance on Apartheid from the Eisenhower to the Reagan administration this study reveals the factors that influenced Reagan’s foreign policy change. Economic interests, political considerations and domestic as well as international pressures appeared to be the main drivers behind this complex and unstable approach. Despite international criticism, the United States pursued a policy of “constructive engagement” towards Apartheid maintaining a friendly and slow approach rather than taking a quick and strict stance. Economic interests were an important factor due to South Africa's valuable mineral resources while geopolitical considerations made South Africa a strategic ally in the fight against communism in the region. Furthermore, domestic pressure from businesses with interests in South Africa played a role in keeping ties with the latter. The United States’ attitude towards Apartheid puts its moral principles under question as it seemed that liberal values were compromised in favor of personal interests.