Potgieter, Thean

Abstract
As South Africa is situated on the sea route between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, maritime power in the Indian Ocean and maritime power projection into the Indian Ocean Region is a consistent theme in South African history. During the Cold War, South Africa aligned itself with the West and shared the defence responsibility of the Cape Sea Route with Britain. As a result of Apartheid South Africa became politically isolated during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. After the political transition of 1994, international relations normalised and South Africa became involved in Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Read the article here (subscription required).