Keele Research Repository

Much academic thought and material has been devoted to British foreign policy and her relations with the Republic of South Africa. The Thatcher era is no exception to this rule. During this time Britain's South African foreign policy was subjected to scrutiny. There was also no little pressure upon Britain to fall into line with the international consensus regarding the Republic. This scrutiny and pressure occurred not only in the bilateral sphere but also in the multilateral domain, notably in the Commonwealth, European Community and United Nations. However analysis of multilateral policy has frequently been undertaken on an institutional basis, in isolation and without due consideration of Britain's bilateral policy or her approach in other international organisations. In particular, Britain's South African foreign policy at the United Nations has been neglected as a topic. The thesis seeks to correct this by offering an empirical study of Britain's South African foreign policy between 1979 and 1989. It draws upon the relevant published material, the available documentation and interviews with those involved and with insight into the policy making/implementation process. In so doing, it offers an original analysis of a much discussed and important topic.