Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms in the Soviet Union (Perestroika and Glasnost) led to the birth of a new era of co-operation between the African National Congress (ANC) and the National Party (NP) in South Africa from 1989 - NSC History - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 2

The introduction of Perestroika in 1985 aimed to address economic hardships within the Soviet Union. By promoting limited economic freedoms, Gorbachev initiated a shift that ultimately weakened the Communist stance internationally, affecting proxy regimes in the developing world, including South Africa.

Gorbachev’s Glasnost encouraged public discourse and criticism of the government. This not only affected Soviet citizens but also news reaching the South African populace. The NP felt pressured to reconsider its stance on apartheid, fearing international condemnation and potential backlash from reform-minded factions.

In 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War. This event shifted the global balance of power and led the USA and its allies to reassess their support for the NP, thereby pushing for negotiations with the ANC, which became increasingly pivotal.

Understanding that they could no longer rely on Western backing due to their anti-communist stance, the NP started negotiations with the ANC, as the latter now appeared more legitimate in the eyes of both domestic and international communities.

The NP's strategic withdrawal from the purely combative stance allowed for dialogues, especially after the ANC demonstrated its capability to unseat apartheid, leading up to significant agreements that would eventually end institutionalized racism in South Africa.

In conclusion, the interplay of Gorbachev's reforms and the changing political landscape in Southern Africa facilitated the contact and subsequent cooperation between the ANC and the NP. This relationship was crucial in dismantling apartheid, illustrating the broader impacts of Gorbachev’s policies on global politics.