A battle of principles: South Africa’s relations with Iran

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed case study and theoretical explanation for one of the least appreciated bilateral relationships of democratic South Africa. It analyses South Africa's post-apartheid relations with Iran as a case study to illustrate and discuss the contradictory principles that appear to guide South Africa's foreign policy. South Africa's tempered reaction to Iran's nuclear programme is in contradiction with its nonproliferation stance, but can be understood by looking into the ideology of the ruling African National Congress.