Report

Britain, South Africa and the fall of Margaret Thatcher

This brief report discusses British policy towards South Africa in the aftermath of Margaret Thatcher’s fall. South Africa will probably be less prominent in British politics, it will slip from the political agenda, and Britain will handle South African affairs in a different way and with a different style. However, Britain will retain a major interest in South Africa and continue viewing it as part of a region in which Britain has special interests. Douglas Hurd was correct in pointing out that British policy has not changed in its broad approach, even if much of the drama, excitement, conflict and the richness of personality has disappeared with Margaret Thatcher.