ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with major issues in relations with the South which the Thatcher government faced, focusing on the deterioration in relations with the commonwealth and the allied problem of South Africa. It looks at two emerging issues: the environment and the drugs problem; it charts the actions of the Thatcher government and also looks at the challenge to come. The chapter discusses two major aspects of relations between Britain and the South: aid and arms sales. Initially Britain perceived the commonwealth as a means by which to maintain influence over ex-colonies emerging into the international system. During the Thatcher years Britain faced mounting problems in attempting to safeguard its interests in South Africa while avoiding conflict with Southern allies over the issue. Britain’s policies within the commonwealth can be seen to have positively worked against increasing action on environmental issues. The aid provided by the Thatcher government showed its preference for military solutions to the problem.
