Member-only story

Russia and South Africa in the Soviet Era: Unlocking the Soviet Archives

Julio Ramón Ribeyro

·19.1k Followers· Follow

Published in The Hidden Thread: Russia And South Africa In The Soviet Era

4 min read · 5 days before

1k View Claps

63 Respond

Save

Listen

The Hidden Thread: Russia and South Africa in the Soviet Era

by Takeo Yoshikawa

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9448 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	568 pages

The relationship between the Soviet Union and South Africa during the Cold War era was fraught with contradictions. On one hand, the Soviet Union staunchly opposed South Africa's apartheid regime and provided military support to liberation movements. On the other hand, it maintained economic ties with the white-minority government.

This book delves into this complex relationship, drawing on declassified Soviet archives to uncover untold stories. It explores the diplomatic, military, and cultural connections between the two countries, revealing the motivations and decisions that shaped their interactions.

Diplomatic and Political Ties

The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1942, but these were severed in 1956 following the Sharpeville Massacre. They were re-established in 1991, after the end of apartheid.

Despite these diplomatic setbacks, the Soviet Union consistently condemned apartheid. It provided diplomatic and material support to the African National Congress (ANC) and other anti-apartheid organizations.

Anti Apartheid Protest In South Africa, 1985 The Hidden Thread: Russia And South Africa In The Soviet Era

Military Cooperation

The Soviet Union provided significant military support to South Africa's neighboring countries, including Angola, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. This support was instrumental in helping these countries gain independence from white-minority rule.

However, the Soviet Union also secretly provided military equipment to the South African government. This assistance was limited, but it raised concerns within the ANC and other anti-apartheid groups.

Economic Connections

The Soviet Union maintained economic ties with South Africa throughout the Cold War era. It imported South African gold, diamonds, and other minerals. In return, it exported oil, machinery, and weapons.

These economic ties were controversial. Critics argued that they bolstered the apartheid regime. However, Soviet officials maintained that they were necessary to secure essential resources.

Cultural Exchange

The Soviet Union and South Africa had limited cultural exchange during the apartheid era. However, there were some notable exceptions. For example, the Soviet Union hosted South African musicians and dancers, and South African writers were published in Soviet literary magazines.

These cultural exchanges provided a glimpse into each other's societies. They also helped to build bridges between people who were otherwise separated by Cold War politics.

The relationship between the Soviet Union and South Africa in the Soviet era was complex and multifaceted. It was marked by contradictions, but also by a shared commitment to ending apartheid.

This book provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of this relationship, based on extensive research in Soviet archives. It sheds new light on the motivations and decisions that shaped the interactions between these two countries.

For anyone interested in the history of the Cold War, the Soviet Union, or South Africa, this book is an essential read.

The Hidden Thread: Russia and South Africa in the Soviet Era

by Takeo Yoshikawa

4 out of 5