'The collapse of communism and the fall of the Soviet Union paved the way for negotiations between the ANC and the apartheid government after 1989.' Critically discuss this statement by analysing the impact that the collapse of the Soviet Union had on South Africa’s political landscape. - NSC History - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 2

Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost and Perestroika aimed to reform the Soviet economy and create a more open society. The economic turmoil in the USSR affected its capacity to support its allies, including the ANC, leading to reduced financial and military assistance. As a result, the ANC had to reassess its strategies.

During the late 1980s, Gorbachev's initiative to decrease nuclear tensions with the USA altered the global focus. This reduced the Cold War rivalry, allowing countries like South Africa to pursue internal reforms without as much geopolitical pressure.

With the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Soviet Union's focus shifted, indicating a decline in its commitment to support revolutionary movements. This shift encouraged the ANC to engage in negotiations as the threat of external support lessened.

The loss of Soviet influence over Eastern Europe signaled changes in the ideological landscape. It inspired anti-apartheid movements within South Africa to realize that similar shifts could occur domestically, leading to increased pressure on the National Party.

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a definitive shift against communism globally. It represented hope for liberation movements, including the ANC, which encouraged dialogue with the apartheid government.

The geopolitical changes impacted perceptions of apartheid in South Africa. Internationally, there was a growing consensus against apartheid, prompting the National Party to consider negotiations with the ANC to avoid further isolation and maintain stability.

The ANC lost a key supporter with the collapse of the USSR, which had been a significant source of moral and economic support. This necessitated a shift in strategy, encouraging the ANC to focus more on internal negotiations.

As the ANC realized the decline of Soviet support, it had to seek alliances elsewhere. This likely influenced the ANC's decision to negotiate with the apartheid government, focusing on a peaceful transition.

Gorbachev's approach to reform resulted in the endorsement of political transitions. His messaging likely reached South Africa, encouraging discussions around a peaceful resolution to apartheid.

The National Party asserted that it was acting as a bulwark against communism. However, as the Soviet threat diminished, claims of protecting South Africa against a communist takeover became less credible.

Increased pressure from Western nations on South Africa to end apartheid led to a necessity for the ruling party to consider negotiations. The international mood had shifted dramatically against apartheid, further motivating the ANC's actions.

In conclusion, the collapse of the Soviet Union fundamentally altered the political landscape of South Africa. It stripped the ANC of its key ally while simultaneously dispelling the justification for continued apartheid governance. The end of communism not only encouraged negotiations but also opened a path for the eventual transition to democracy in South Africa.