Namibia: on brinkmanship, conflict and self‐interest — the collapse of the UN‐plan

Abstract

The purpose of this introductory paper is to advance some reasons for the collapse of the UN plan for Namibia. It is argued that the plan lacked two essential elements for success — deadline and a credible calculus of pressure — on the part of the Western intermediaries. Moreover, because of international developments the collective bargaining position of the Western Five over South Africa deteriorated markedly since 1978. Finally, the plan conflicted with South Africa's perception of its national interest.