THE END OF THE COLD WAR AND A NEW WORLD ORDER: THE EVENTS OF 1989 The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led political enemies, the National Party and the African National Congress, to begin talks - NSC History - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 2

The policies of Glasnost and Perestroika initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev allowed for increased political discourse and transparency in the Soviet Union. These reforms diminished the Soviet Union's stature as a superpower, significantly affecting the ANC’s reliance on Soviet support and enabling the ANC to negotiate autonomously.

With the dissolution of the USSR, the ANC no longer received military support against the apartheid regime. Consequently, the ANC adopted a more conciliatory approach, leading to negotiations with the National Party as they sought to end apartheid peacefully.

The pressure from Western nations, especially in conjunction with the unravelling Soviet influence, pushed South African leaders to reconsider their stance on apartheid. The situation was exacerbated by the need to maintain economic stability, compelling the government to engage in talks for political reform.

As influential National Party members realized that apartheid could not be sustained indefinitely, there was a gradual shift toward reform. The realization that apartheid did not serve the interests of 'white' South Africans led to negotiations with the ANC to ensure a smoother transition.

In conclusion, I agree with the statement that the fall of the Berlin Wall facilitated crucial talks between the National Party and the ANC. The broader geopolitical changes and internal pressures within South Africa created an environment conducive to dialogue, ultimately leading to the end of apartheid.