South African Yearbook of International Affairs, 1998/9, South African Institute of International Affairs, Johannesburg, 1998, 418 pp.

Since the democratic elections in 1994, South African foreign policy has undergone considerable changes. More than any other time in history, new partners have been sought, a range of security issues have come to the fore, and new priorities have been set. For diplomats, researchers, politicians, and students interested in the current state of South African foreign policy, this book is a ‘must-read’. It draws together the expertise of a multitude of authors with knowledge and insights in the study of South African foreign policy.

The book begins with a broad discussion of South African bilateral and multilateral relations. The authors pose various thought provoking questions: What are South African relations with the major powers? What is the nature of South African relations with the developing world, Central and Eastern European states, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)? What is South Africa’s status among countries of the Non-Aligned Movement?

An important element that emerges from this discussion, is the need for South Africa to balance its relations with Africa and key states in the international arena. It is argued that "South African foreign policy in the future will have to continue its focus on Africa, balancing this with strong relations with the G7/8 countries and key nations of the South." Enhanced ties with key states would provide South Africa with trade and investment opportunities that would assist in its transformation. Equally important, sound relations with Africa would demonstrate solidarity and help South Africa to meet its internal concerns.

Along with the discussion of South Africa’s relations with the world, the book identifies the major issues in the nation’s foreign policy. One of the many issues outlined is regional integration in Southern Africa. It is claimed that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been slow in ratifying and implementing the protocols signed by the heads of state. However, it is believed that the organisation is moving in the right direction in the sense that the Maputo Corridor is likely to promote regional cohesion. The book also addresses the security challenges facing SADC. Interestingly, security challenges are not only seen as those involving military conflicts, but also those emanating from drought, ecological disasters, refugees, scarce resources, unstable governments, AIDS, underdevelopment, and international debt. It is suggested that SADC could overcome insecurity if it adopts a broad definition of security rather than a narrow one.

Beyond the identification of the key issues in South African foreign policy, the book surveys the prevailing topics in international relations. Among others, the Asian economic crisis and its impact on the South African economy are examined. The analysts contend that the effects of the crisis are minimal as only seven per cent of South Africa’s total exports go to the so-called ‘Asian crisis countries’ — South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. However, they admit that the crisis may be felt if Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China become the victims of Asian economic woes. It is also the opinion of the analysts that the crisis could have serious implications if it affects global economic growth.

For those looking for statistical and background references, the final section of the book contains a great wealth of information. It would be of considerable interest to those who are engaged in current research, as it provides useful information pertaining to South Africa’s economic and diplomatic relations with other states.

Abdul Omar
Institute for Security Studies

Bonn International Center for Conversion, Conversion survey 1998: Global disarmament, defense industry consolidation and conversion, Oxford University Press, New York, 1998, 320 pp.

In the years following the end of the Cold War with the rapid downsizing of militaries (especially in Europe) and parallel efforts of conversion and disarmament, it was thought that the process would be rapid and quickly over. What has emerged, however, is a slower, more complicated process in which conversion has had to submit to pressures aimed at limiting the impact on defence industries.

Conversion is defined in this book as the re-use of resources that have been freed by military reductions. The Conversion Survey 1998 focuses on reviewing efforts that have been made in the process of industrial conversion in countries around the world. Industrial conversion has proceeded more quickly than other areas of conversion as procurement expenditures have decreased and arms and military equipment production facilities have had to adjust to a changing environment. The six chapters of the survey each focuses on an aspect of this issue.

In the first, Global challenges to defence production, the emphasis is on the way in which defence production has changed since the early 1990s in regions around the world. The changed security environment, ushered in by the end of the Cold War, saw reductions in arms procurement budgets and defence acquisitions. Defence industries were required to respond to this new environment through changes in technology and increased regional and international co-operation within the defence industry, which are discussed in detail in this chapter.

Chapter two, Policies for defence industry transformation, focuses on the steps taken by governments in conversion efforts through a series of case studies on Russia, the United States, China and several countries in Europe, including Germany, Slovakia, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Chapters three to five focus specifically on efforts within the defence industry towards conversion. Chapter three looks at the downsizing, consolidation and reorganisation of defence companies in the US, Russia and Western Europe with assessments of each. Chapter four discusses specific instances of company conversion to civilian production. Efforts at full and partial conversion are covered. Partial conversion, in which a portion of production is shifted from defence to civilian production, is far more common than full conversion from defence to civilian production. Finally, the fifth chapter discusses local and regional responses to the downsizing and conversion of defence industries. Some regions of the US, Russia and Europe which had large percentages of the working population engaged in defence production work, have been hard hit by the downturn in defence industries. This chapter discusses efforts that have been made by local and regional areas to minimise the impact, and looks at diversification and labour markets as well.

Chapter six draws the previous discussions together and presents suggestions for further efforts. As the book so clearly illustrates, conversion is not the overnight process some may have thought. The need for long-term policies supported by research and case studies of successful and failed efforts will prove invaluable. The Bonn International Center for Conversion remains one of the foremost institutes working on the issue and this third yearbook is as comprehensive as its earlier companions.

Sarah Meek
Institute for Security Studies