Nuclear diplomacy as niche diplomacy

South Africa's post-apartheid relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency

Bibliographic Data

ID14969348
AuthorsJo-Ansie Van Wyk (0000-0003-4950-7171, University of Pretoria, corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume19
Issue2
Pages179-200
Publication date2012-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSouth African Journal of International Affairs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1022-0461 • E-ISSN: 1938-0275
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10220461.2012.706492
OpenAlexW1994397242
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited4

Since the termination of its nuclear weapons programme, commenced in 1989 and verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) in 1993, successive South African governments have consistently advocated the country's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. South Africa has secured a niche role through norm construction and state identity for itself through its nuclear diplomacy with the IAEA. The article explores aspects of South Africa's nuclear diplomacy with the IAEA as an example of niche diplomacy. Therefore, it traces South Africa's diplomatic relations with the IAEA, starting with the IAEA's verification process and the implementation of a Safeguards Agreement (1989–1994) through the conversion of South Africa's research nuclear reactor (1991–2005); South Africa's position on greater representation for developing countries on the IAEA's Board of Governors; its ambition to be elected to the position of IAEA Director General (2008–2009); and its refusal to support the establishment of a nuclear fuel bank in Russia under the IAEA's auspices (2009–2010)

Atomic energy · Business · Diplomacy · International relations · International trade · Nuclear weapon · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Law · Nuclear and radioactivity studies · Nuclear Issues and Defense · Public Administration

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