8/2/2019 South Africa as an Emerging Power

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South Africa as an emerging power

It has the largest economy in Africa, and the 28th-largest in the world. Rich in natural resources

o South Africa is one of world's largest producers of:chicoryroots(4th);grapefruit(4th);cereals(5th);green maizeandmaize(7th);castor oilseed(9th);pears(9th);sisal(10th);fibre crops(10th)

o Coal, platinum, coal, uranium

Regional leadero Bear responsibility for regional peace and security and carry blame for failureo Acceptable to its neighbors responsible for regional securitieso Support and promoted by big powers

Denuclearized stateo Gained significant moral influence within international institutionso But still uses nuclear energy

Played major role in regional and international convention on banning of anti-personnellandmines

o Perceived credibility as a leader

Peacemaker/keepero Solicited by major powers (Britain) for support = economic contradiction

Creation of wealth for S.A was arms sales, but banned it

Western orientation in its foreign policy = western encouragement as emerging powero Criticized as lackey of west at times

Does not show sufficient proof of willingness to shoulder regional and continentalresponsibilities though

o Legitimacy and creditability as an impartial leader are often questioned

98 billion dollar budget for military

West made it clear that it is in favor of a regional leadership role for south Africa andwilling to support, but Africa has mixed signalso South Africa = too pro west and not really serious about Africao Want to push for stronger role, but overcautious at times

South Africa joins BRICo Offers gateway into southern African development community market

Economy, population, and growth rate are smaller than other BRIC members

Consolidated democratic market economy

Notable influence in resolving regional conflicts

Foreign policy based on peace and democracy

Faced with numerous internal problems

o HIV/AIDS epidemic -1/5 south Africans

life expectancy

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Russia

Member of security council

Economy is booming b/c of energy sector

Largest oil resource in the world

Second largest coal reserves in the world Used to have nonexistent economy, but now has petrodollars

GDP risen 72% from when putin went into office

Poverty decrease by 50%

Oil, gas, coal exports

Laws to make trade freer highly deregulated economy

India

4th largest growing economy

1+ billion in population