Angola and Southern Africa: The Dynamics of Change

Abstract

As in many regions of the world, the end of the East/West superpower conflict and the ensuing transformation of the bipolar system of international relations has weakened the ability of former client states to explore superpower rivalries. However, it would be simplistic to analyse the Angolan peace process solely through the prism of altering superpower relations. An essential part of the efforts to resolve the Angolan conflict also lies in the moves which the non-superpower actors take in response to international changes. The Angolan peace talks highlight the emphasis Southern African states are placing on negotiated settlements as a means of solving Southern Africa’s problems and securing its transition to a post-Cold War and post-apartheid order.