In this article attention will firstly be given to tbe general trends and characteristics of the study of international political economy and secondly to an interpretation of Soutb Africa's foreign policy in that context. The consideration of specific relations with tbe European Community, the United States, East Asia, otber developing countries, tbe middle east as well as witb tbe southern African region are receiving much attention at this stage. One area which is relatively ignored relates to tbe tendencies in the international political economic relations between states and how it could have an impact upon South Africa's foreign policy
