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- Title
THE EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOUTH AFRICAN APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT OF NON-OFFENSIVE DEFENCE.
- Authors
Jordaan, Evert; Esterhuyse, Abel
- Abstract
The article provides a chronological analysis of the development of non-offensive defence. As a point of departure, it demarcates the roots, the unfolding of, and the application of non-offensive defence in Western Europe. The debate about non-offensive defence in Western Europe serves as the basis for the introduction of the concept in the South African context. Ideas about non-offensive defence came into being in distinct eras and are continuously being connected to new ideas. Initially, non-offensive defence and its various models were mainly utilised in an attempt to prevent nuclear and major war in Europe, as well as to prevent escalation during the Cold War. This was done by emphasising the security dilemma and by criticising the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's nuclear and conventional strategies. Although the Soviet Union briefly accepted non-offensive defence principles, no individual country applied non-offensive defence. The nexus between non-offensive defence and common security ensures that both have some relevance in the post-Cold War era. Accordingly, South African defence policy contains principles of non-offensive defence and common security. Non-offensive defence was introduced into the South African defence debate by the African National Congress' Military Research Group to build confidence in Southern Africa. It also served as a catalyst in defence debates to promote an understanding of and consensus regarding South Africa's strategic defensive posture.
- Subjects
WESTERN Europe; NON-provocative defense (Military science); DETERRENCE (Military strategy); COLD War, 1945-1991; INTERNATIONAL relations, 1945-1989; NORTH Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Publication
Strategic Review for Southern Africa, 2008, Vol 30, Issue 1, p28
- ISSN
1013-1108
- Publication type
Article