The Role of Domestic Constraints in Power Projection
Projection: Angola and South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22456/2178-8839.152093Keywords:
Angola; África do Sul; inserção internacional; política de defesa; política externa.Abstract
Angola and South Africa are two highly relevant states in the configuration of power in Southern Africa and on the African continent as a whole. Despite distinct trajectories, they also share a particularity: the maintenance in power of a party originating from a liberation movement. Both the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the African National Congress (ANC) have remained in power since they were transformed into political parties, which has significant impacts in both states. In addition, the development of capabilities in Angola and South Africa is also shaped by other domestic inputs, such as economic conditions and the institutions. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence that domestic variables have on the power projection of Angola and South Africa and on the potential dispute between them for regional leadership. The study assumes that internal aspects—lack of alternation in power and institutional characteristics—affect the formulation of these states’ international insertion strategies - foreign policy and defense policy. Methodologically, the study adopts the hypothetical-deductive method, employing a historical-comparative analysis based on primary and secondary sources.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nathaly Silva Xavier Schütz, Danielle Jacon Ayres Pinto
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Accepted 2026-07-29
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