ABSTRACT
American foreign policy towards pre-independent Namibia has been marked by contradictions and deceit. While the American Government rejected formal proposals to colonize Namibia in the 1800s, it refused to stand in the way of individual entrepreneurs wishing to exploit Namibia's resources. The challenge of American foreign policy towards Namibia has been to contain the racial implications of this policy while, at the same time, facilitating the economic exploitation of Namibia by American corporations. The extent to which an independent Namibia will accept American political and economic assistance depends upon its understanding of America's historic commitments to Namibia as well as Namibia's assessment of its current needs. The American media portrays UNITA and the democratic turnhalle alliance as democratic forces opposing the onslaught of communism into southern Africa. A foreign policy that extends genuine friendship and cooperation to the Namibian people will require fundamental changes in American society.
