This International Affairs Bulletin contains five articles:
James Mayall’s article deals with Soviet and Chinese policies in Africa. It concentrates on Southern Africa, but Soviet and Chinese policies in the sub-continent should be related to their policies elsewhere in Africa. The article gives the history of their involvement in the anti-colonial liberation struggle, then discusses both powers and Southern Africa, as well as the emergence of the Soviet Union as a global power, the Portuguese collapse, and Sino-Soviet rivalry.
Gordon Chavunduka’s article describes the position of the United African National Council in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. There are two reasons for the present political uncertainty in Rhodesia: unwillingness or inability of the government to bring about changes, and political manoeuvring among the African leaders. The articles discusses how the UANC will deal with the problem and lists areas for change in a future non-racial society.
T.B. Millar’s article describes the role of the Indian Ocean in international strategy in the light of the British withdrawal and an increase in the Soviet presence. It discusses recent changes in the strategic situation in the Indian Ocean, with regard to the littoral states and external powers, and concludes that there are grounds for concern, but not yet for alarm.
Leon Gordenker’s article describes the United Nations, the system of organisations around it, and international institutions in general.
J.D. Matthews’ article describes partnership between Africa and the European Economic Community. Set out under the 1975 Lomé Convention, it inaugurated a new trend in international economic co-operation. The article briefly outlines the nature of economic integration, and examines the evolution of the EEC association system, the characteristics of the Lomé Convention, and the benefits it would bring to Transkei.
