SOUTH AFRICAN STRATEGY IN NAMIBIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

This comprehensive analysis examines South Africas strategy in Namibia during the mid-1980s and assesses the response of the international community to the ongoing conflict and occupation. The article explores the historical context of South African administration in Namibia and analyzes the strategic calculations behind Pretorias approach to the territory. The research investigates South Africas military, political, and economic strategies in Namibia, including counter-insurgency operations, internal political manipulation, and economic integration efforts. The study examines the role of various international actors, including the United Nations, Western contact group, African states, and non-governmental organizations, in addressing the Namibia situation. The article assesses the effectiveness of different international pressure mechanisms, including diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, and support for liberation movements. The research also evaluates the prospects for a negotiated settlement and identifies factors that could facilitate or hinder Namibian independence.

The Namibia conflict represented one of the most significant international issues of the mid-1980s, with this article providing a comprehensive analysis of South African strategy and international community response. The research begins by examining the historical context of South African administration in Namibia, tracing the legacy of League of Nations mandate, United Nations revocation of mandate, and subsequent illegal occupation. The analysis explores South Africas strategic calculations in Namibia, examining how security concerns, economic interests, domestic political considerations, and regional ambitions shaped Pretorias approach to the territory. The article investigates South Africas military strategy, analyzing counter-insurgency operations against SWAPO, border control measures, and the use of local surrogate forces in the conflict. The study examines South Africas political strategy, including attempts to create internal political alternatives to SWAPO, constitutional manipulation, and divide-and-rule tactics among different ethnic groups. The research assesses the international community response, analyzing the roles of the United Nations Security Council, Western contact group, Organization of African Unity, non-aligned movement, and various national governments in addressing the Namibia situation. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article evaluates the effectiveness of different international pressure mechanisms and analyzes the prospects for a negotiated settlement that would lead to genuine Namibian independence. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of international conflict resolution and contribute to understanding how the international community can address illegal occupations and support self-determination struggles.