Nuclear diplomacy as niche diplomacy: South Africa's post-apartheid relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency
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Authors
van Wyk, Jo-Ansie
Issue Date
2012
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
South Africa , Nuclear diplomacy , International Atomic Energy Agency , Nuclear
Alternative Title
Abstract
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).
Description
Citation
To cite this article: Jo-Ansie van Wyk (2012) Nuclear diplomacy as niche diplomacy: South Africa's post-apartheid relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency, South African Journal of International Affairs, 19:2, 179-200, DOI: 10.1080/10220461.2012.706492 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10220461.2012.70649
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PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
10220461