, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
QUESTION 1
South Africa–US Diplomatic Tensions: An Analysis of Diplomacy, Misinformation, and
Communication Channels
1.1 Introduction
The recent expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the United States has created
renewed diplomatic tension between the two nations. This essay unpacks the incident by discussing
the concept of diplomacy and examples of diplomatic conversation, followed by an exploration of
the term misinformation and how former President Trump's remarks about South Africa’s land
reform and its ICJ genocide case reflect distorted narratives. The analysis then turns to identifying
the type of diplomacy evident in the event and outlines the diplomatic channels that should have
been used to ensure mutual understanding. The essay concludes by summarising the importance of
accurate communication in international relations.
1.2 Diplomacy and Examples of Diplomatic Conversation
Diplomacy can be described as a formal process through which governments interact to manage their
interests, negotiate agreements, and resolve disputes (COM3705, 2019). It plays a crucial role in
maintaining peaceful international relations and projecting a country’s stance globally. Below are
key components of diplomacy as they apply to the current case:
Expression of Interests: Governments use diplomacy to communicate their national interests
to others. South Africa’s defence of its land policy is an example of a diplomatic effort to
express its domestic priorities.
Addressing Grievances: Diplomacy allows countries to raise concerns. The United States,
through official communication, could have diplomatically addressed any issues regarding
South Africa’s stance at the ICJ or its land reform policy.
Persuasion and Influence: Diplomatic engagements are often used to persuade other states to
support certain positions. For instance, South Africa may attempt to persuade global actors to
recognise the legitimacy of its ICJ application (Jazeera, 2025).
Image Building: Diplomacy helps nations build or protect their international image. The
public reaffirmation of commitment to US ties by South Africa’s presidency is a form of image
maintenance (COM3705, 2019).
Formal Protocols: Diplomacy follows strict procedures. The declaration of a diplomat as
persona non grata, as seen in this case, follows a formal diplomatic protocol (Nsemba Edward
Lenshie et al., 2022).
Use of Envoys: Ambassadors act as official representatives. Rasool’s presence in the US was a
typical example of how states employ envoys to manage international relations (Abdurahmanlı,
2021).
QUESTION 1
South Africa–US Diplomatic Tensions: An Analysis of Diplomacy, Misinformation, and
Communication Channels
1.1 Introduction
The recent expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the United States has created
renewed diplomatic tension between the two nations. This essay unpacks the incident by discussing
the concept of diplomacy and examples of diplomatic conversation, followed by an exploration of
the term misinformation and how former President Trump's remarks about South Africa’s land
reform and its ICJ genocide case reflect distorted narratives. The analysis then turns to identifying
the type of diplomacy evident in the event and outlines the diplomatic channels that should have
been used to ensure mutual understanding. The essay concludes by summarising the importance of
accurate communication in international relations.
1.2 Diplomacy and Examples of Diplomatic Conversation
Diplomacy can be described as a formal process through which governments interact to manage their
interests, negotiate agreements, and resolve disputes (COM3705, 2019). It plays a crucial role in
maintaining peaceful international relations and projecting a country’s stance globally. Below are
key components of diplomacy as they apply to the current case:
Expression of Interests: Governments use diplomacy to communicate their national interests
to others. South Africa’s defence of its land policy is an example of a diplomatic effort to
express its domestic priorities.
Addressing Grievances: Diplomacy allows countries to raise concerns. The United States,
through official communication, could have diplomatically addressed any issues regarding
South Africa’s stance at the ICJ or its land reform policy.
Persuasion and Influence: Diplomatic engagements are often used to persuade other states to
support certain positions. For instance, South Africa may attempt to persuade global actors to
recognise the legitimacy of its ICJ application (Jazeera, 2025).
Image Building: Diplomacy helps nations build or protect their international image. The
public reaffirmation of commitment to US ties by South Africa’s presidency is a form of image
maintenance (COM3705, 2019).
Formal Protocols: Diplomacy follows strict procedures. The declaration of a diplomat as
persona non grata, as seen in this case, follows a formal diplomatic protocol (Nsemba Edward
Lenshie et al., 2022).
Use of Envoys: Ambassadors act as official representatives. Rasool’s presence in the US was a
typical example of how states employ envoys to manage international relations (Abdurahmanlı,
2021).
