South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship

There are those who argue that a state embodying good international citizenship (GIC) must actively seek to improve the world around it, thereby making a positive contribution to overcoming global challenges. A good international citizen (state) must also be a proponent of multilateral cooperation,...

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Main Author: Suzanne Graham
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Johannesburg 2023-02-01
Series:The Thinker
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/The_Thinker/article/view/2357
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author Suzanne Graham
author_facet Suzanne Graham
author_sort Suzanne Graham
collection DOAJ
description There are those who argue that a state embodying good international citizenship (GIC) must actively seek to improve the world around it, thereby making a positive contribution to overcoming global challenges. A good international citizen (state) must also be a proponent of multilateral cooperation, usually manifesting in global platforms such as the United Nations (UN). Scholars refer to middle power states being ideally situated in the power rankings of international affairs, respected by major and minor powers, to become custodians of emerging international norms and to pave a pathway forward for the community of states. Both South Africa and Sweden are seen as pivot countries in their respective regions and have a long history of shared desires and supports for freedom. This article will explore the notion of GIC and its desirability, and applicability, in relation to South Africa and Sweden. It employs a case study methodology approach in its research design and interrogates the extent to which South Africa and Sweden qualify as good international citizens according to four characteristics, drawn from the literature. The article finds that both Sweden and South Africa demonstrate elements of good international citizenship.
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spelling doaj-art-0b4fd12cb7e1433c948d37c13a369a882025-01-28T09:01:59ZengUniversity of JohannesburgThe Thinker2075-24582616-907X2023-02-0194110.36615/the_thinker.v94i1.2357South Africa, Sweden, and Good International CitizenshipSuzanne Grahamhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5122-3330 There are those who argue that a state embodying good international citizenship (GIC) must actively seek to improve the world around it, thereby making a positive contribution to overcoming global challenges. A good international citizen (state) must also be a proponent of multilateral cooperation, usually manifesting in global platforms such as the United Nations (UN). Scholars refer to middle power states being ideally situated in the power rankings of international affairs, respected by major and minor powers, to become custodians of emerging international norms and to pave a pathway forward for the community of states. Both South Africa and Sweden are seen as pivot countries in their respective regions and have a long history of shared desires and supports for freedom. This article will explore the notion of GIC and its desirability, and applicability, in relation to South Africa and Sweden. It employs a case study methodology approach in its research design and interrogates the extent to which South Africa and Sweden qualify as good international citizens according to four characteristics, drawn from the literature. The article finds that both Sweden and South Africa demonstrate elements of good international citizenship. https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/The_Thinker/article/view/2357South AfricaSwedenInternational Citizenship
spellingShingle Suzanne Graham
South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship
The Thinker
South Africa
Sweden
International Citizenship
title South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship
title_full South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship
title_fullStr South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship
title_full_unstemmed South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship
title_short South Africa, Sweden, and Good International Citizenship
title_sort south africa sweden and good international citizenship
topic South Africa
Sweden
International Citizenship
url https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/The_Thinker/article/view/2357
work_keys_str_mv AT suzannegraham southafricaswedenandgoodinternationalcitizenship