Description:
This article deals with the long-term outcomes of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in<br />Angola (1987–1988) and the effect of the outcomes on the current strategic landscape in<br />Southern Africa. The crux of the article is to learn about the value of long-term<br />foresight for strategising in an international context. After a short discussion of the<br />research methodology, the desired long-term outcomes, as perceived by the major roleplayers<br />before the battle, will be described and explained. For the purpose of<br />elucidation, a description is included of the events preceding the battle and the course of<br />the battle itself. Finally, the long-term outcomes within the context of the current<br />strategic landscape in Southern Africa will be described and explained. The article<br />concludes with recommendations on the value of long-term strategic foresight and the<br />importance to maintain strategic instruments, including military force, to ensure that the<br />foreseen outcomes become reality.