Open AccessSOUTH AFRICA'S EMERGING PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY AND SOFT POWER
Author(s) -
Lesley Masters
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
strategic review for southern africa
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1013-1108
DOI - 10.35293/srsa.v37i2.244
Subject(s) - parliament , diplomacy , deliberation , soft power , political science , foreign policy , political economy , power (physics) , value (mathematics) , public administration , politics , law , sociology , physics , quantum mechanics , machine learning , computer science
This analysis considers the emergence of South Africa's parliamentary diplomacy, or the role of Parliament on the international stage, since 1994. The early discourse both within Parliament and in academic analysis, reflects an emphasis on the role of oversight and the role of Parliament in the foreign policy decision-making process. Recognition of the role of parliamentary diplomacy has been slow to develop, although Parliament is increasingly acknowledging its role as an international actor. This has seen the development of structures and policy to support this. The value of parliamentary diplomacy as part of a country's international relations, however, remains an area in need of further deliberation. This analysis begins by unpacking the concept of parliamentary diplomacy before addressing the emerging role and value of parliamentary diplomacy for South Africa, particularly through the linkages between parliamentary diplomacy and soft power in promoting foreign policy.