Prakash Karat vs Roelof Botha

Prakash Karat was elected General Secretary of CPI(M), succeeding Harkishan Singh Surjeet. He led the party during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, supporting it from outside.

Karat led the CPI(M) to withdraw support from the UPA government over the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, which the party opposed as a threat to India's sovereignty. This led to a confidence vote that the government survived.

Karat published this book critiquing the India-US nuclear deal and its implications for India's foreign policy. The book argued that the deal made India a subordinate ally of the US.

Botha was appointed South Africa's ambassador to the United Nations. He defended the apartheid government's policies on the international stage, often facing criticism and isolation from other member states.

Botha was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister B.J. Vorster and later P.W. Botha. He oversaw South Africa's foreign policy during a period of increasing international isolation and sanctions.

Botha pursued a policy of 'constructive engagement' with Western countries, particularly the United States under President Ronald Reagan. He sought to counter international sanctions and maintain diplomatic and economic ties.

Botha played a key role in negotiating the Nkomati Accord with Mozambique. The agreement was a non-aggression pact that aimed to reduce cross-border violence, but it was criticized for legitimizing the apartheid regime.

Botha participated in the early negotiations for a democratic South Africa, representing the National Party government. He was involved in talks with the ANC and other parties, leading to the unbanning of the ANC and the release of Nelson Mandela.