Who was South Africa's best friend during the apartheid era?

[Joe McCarthy]

An interesting question - one that helps inform where current geopolitical preferences should lie - is one concerning the question of how various states dealt with South Africa during the apartheid era. It isn't often explored in nationalist circles and in my opinion it should be.

Your thoughts?

[Loki]

Israel, probably. There was lots of cooperation, including nuclear.

I see you have Taiwan on the list. Yes, they were also very strong allies. As for the US? No way! Quite the opposite.

[Joe McCarthy]

Israel, probably. There was lots of cooperation, including nuclear.

After the Yom Kippur War, you may be correct. The only rub is that Israel was a major critic and aligned with African states in the 60's.

As you may be aware, the mullahs in Iran were especially heavy backers of the ANC.

[Loki]

The only rub is that Israel was a major critic and aligned with African states in the 60's.

So was the rest of the world. The UK, whilst pressuring diplomatically, was still in a way friendly. Probably because of their prior involvement in the Boer War. They wanted to be kind to us, but it was difficult on the world stage. They certainly did better than the Americans.

[Joe McCarthy]

So was the rest of the world. The UK, whilst pressuring diplomatically, was still in a way friendly. Probably because of their prior involvement in the Boer War. They wanted to be kind to us, but it was difficult on the world stage. They certainly did better than the Americans.

Arguably, though the US protected South Africa with several UN vetoes.

My point with Israel though is that it was less friendly to South Africa in the 60's than either the US or the UK.

Frankly though, I think perhaps Taiwan was the most consistent friend, and it's very sad that I'm inclined to say that.

Edit: We might ask as well who was South Africa's worst enemy? My vote: the USSR, hands down.

[Grumpy Cat]

The US, as far as I know, had Cuba-like sanctions against apartheid South Africa. I voted Israel.

[Joe McCarthy]

The US, as far as I know, had Cuba-like sanctions against apartheid South Africa. I voted Israel.

The US didn't actually impose the economic boycott until the European Community did, and even then it took overcoming a Reagan veto.

[Eldritch]

Israel, probably. There was lots of cooperation, including nuclear.

I see you have Taiwan on the list. Yes, they were also very strong allies. As for the US? No way! Quite the opposite.

How about Japan? I'm vaguely aware of them trading with the RSA despite the embargo.

[Grumpy Cat]

The US didn't actually impose the economic boycott until the European Community did, and even then it took overcoming a Reagan veto.

Canada was the first to impose the economic boycott, under John Diefenbaker. I remember when sanctions were lifted.

[Loki]

Frankly though, I think perhaps Taiwan was the most consistent friend, and it's very sad that I'm inclined to say that.

Yes, Taiwan was desperate for allies with the Chinese threat. SA being very anti-Communist got their full support. These days Taiwan's sovereignty is still under threat, but China has changed a lot ... and incorporation into China might actually not be a bad thing for them. Otherwise they risk being marginalized.

Edit: We might ask as well who was South Africa's worst enemy? My vote: the USSR, hands down.

Indeed!