British Cultural Diplomacy in South Africa, 1960-1994

This book analyses the British government's use of cultural diplomacy in South Africa from 1960 to 1994, and examines how Britain attempted to offset its decline in traditional 'hard power' assets, while still maintaining influence in South Africa. While British policymakers increasingly relied on the 'special relationship' with the USA to preserve a role in world affairs, it is clear that they also wished to maintain influence in South Africa, even after it left the Commonwealth in 1961. One way policymakers attempted to maintain this special relationship was through cultural diplomacy, facilitated primarily by the British Council, which became prominent after 1961 and into the final years of apartheid. In addition to its work directly linked to arts, culture, and educational exchange, the council also became an important conduit for the technical assistance provided by the Overseas Development Administration. While most research in this area has focused on the political, economic, or military links between South Africa and the UK, this book makes an important and original intervention by emphasising the significance of cultural diplomacy, and later technical assistance, in British policy towards South Africa, providing new insights for those interested in imperial and Commonwealth history, British foreign relations and diplomatic history.