The Study On The Role Of South Africa As A Great Power In The Construction Of Sub-regional Security Order In Southern Africa

The process of globalization has entered a rapid development period since the end of the Cold War in the 1990s.Opportunities have been provided for regional integration as a result of the peaceful external environment.In this context,the process of the construction of the sub-regional order in Africa develops rapidly with its historical,cultural and geographical advantages,in which Southern Africa is the most burgeoning and promising sub-region.The construction of the sub-regional order in Southern Africa transformed from the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference(SADCC)to the Southern Africa Development Community(SADC).The construction of the sub-regional security order in Southern Africa has begun from the middle of the 20th century as the countries in the sub-region called for self-development.In response to the need,the Frontline States(FLS)which is regarded as a sub-regional quasi-collective security mechanism and the following Organ for Politics,Defence and Security which works as a collective security mechanism were established were established in Southern Africa.In the history of construction of the sub-regional security order in Southern Africa,South Africa,the sub-regional great power in Southern Africa,has played an essential and necessary role.As an emerging great power in Southern Africa as well as in Africa,the international status of South Africa has risen sharply after its transition to democracy.With its advantages in funding,experience and discourse,South Africa has not only played an important part in the concrete actions,but also advocated and contributed to the construction of the sub-regional security order.In detail,the sustainable economic development,sound investment environment and modernized industrial structure enable South Africa to keep the operation of the Southern African sub-regional collective security mechanism and the training&maintenance of the standing military forces in Southern Africa with sufficient funds.The traditional advantages in military industry and arms exports alongside with the peacekeeping practices provide rich experience for South Africa.The solution of comprise advocated by the African National Congress and the active involvement&mediation by the leaders of South Africa in the affairs in Southern Africa make South Africa significant and outstanding in discourse in the sub-region.With the mentioned characteristics,South Africa worked as a main maintainer and participant of the sub-regional security order in the specific cases including the 1998 Military Intervention in Lesotho,the Conflict in Congo and the 2017 Political Upheaval in Zimbabwe.Meanwhile,South Africa has vigorously promoted the reform of the SADC security mechanism which incorporated the Organ for Politics,Defence and Security into the institutional framework of the SADC.Besides,South Africa has also drafted and passed several laws such as the Mutual Defence Pact which serve as legal basis for the collective operation in security and peacekeeping in Southern Africa.Notwithstanding,South Africa,as a sub-regional great power,is still a developing country which faces the conflicts between providing sub-regional security public goods and realizing its national interests.Because of the imperfection of the sub-regional security mechanism in Southern Africa,South Africa still need to confront challenges in capabilities and legitimacy though the stable external environment and active public goods supplies has contributed to the economic development and regional influence of South Africa.In thus,in the construction of the Southern African sub-regional security order,South Africa is supposed to make good use of its image as a sub-regional great power which requires it to strengthen communication and cooperation with the fellow countries in the sub-region and introduce external powers to co-manage moderately based on leading sub-regional economic cooperation to promote the harmonious development of the sub-regional security order in Southern Africa.