In my personal opinion, the Mbeki government's dealings with other African countries are not driven by realist world view factors. The realist world view says that people have an "instinctive lust for power" and a "desire to dominate others" (Kegley & Wittkopf, p. 37).
The Mbeki government's dealings with other African countries do not show and example of this view- yes, Mbeki himself is a very powerful force in Africa, but there is no evidence of a "desire to dominate others" in his actions. In fact, the Mbeki government's actions show a desire to help others.
An example is the Mbeki government sending money over to Zimbabwe to help rebuild the country. This shows no "lust for power". This shows an African leader giving a helping hand to another African country in need.
If the Mbeki government is driven by anything, it is true African spirit, and collectivist culture views.
English: A gathering of people in an African count...
English: Changes in life expectancy in some hard-h...
Image:Mapa_del_sur_de_España_neutral.png modified...In collectivist cultures, the needs of the group (in this case, Africa) are seen as being important, and favours are done in return for loyalty. The Mbeki government is being clever, as well as helpful. If they gain the loyalty of other African countries, it will stand them in good stead, and give them more power. This could be seen to be conforming to realist world views, but I would like to believe that true Africanism and heart are the reasons driving the Mbeki government's dealings with other African countries
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