Soviet national security policy in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean: the case of Mozambique

Abstract

This article deals with the aims and methods of Soviet influence in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. The possibility of involvement and future success has been vastly improved since the Portuguese coup, with Mozambique becoming the focal point of Soviet attention. In attempts to increase its influence in Mozambique through increased economic aid and more sophisticated military weapons, the USSR could also have the advantage of limiting that of China. By utilising Mozambique harbours the USSR military installations and fleet could prove a serious threat.

Thus, because of several Soviet national security objectives, Southern Africa has moved from the periphery to a more central position in Soviet foreign policy. The present situation in the sub‐continent could have a far‐reaching influence on the balance of power in the Indian Ocean.