Alexander Thomson

My primary research interest is the diplomatic history of US relations with apartheid South Africa. I have published a number of books and journal articles on this topic, and I am currently working on a project integrating previously overlooked South African archive materials into the literature addressing this issue.

Additionally, I also work with grassroots community groups in Zimbabwe who are seeking to gain a voice in this country’s transitional justice programme. In partnership with a local NGO, this project seeks to assess and facilitate understanding of transitional justice processes at the grassroots level, with a view to encouraging participation, and broadening the relevance of transitional justice initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Transitional justice in Zimbabwe: My work with grass roots community groups in Zimbabwe seeks to use innovative methodologies looking beyond, and challenging, elite discourses and praxis on transitional justice in this country, helping create a more inclusive political transition.

US foreign policy towards apartheid South Africa: My research on this topic engages the full range of available archive sources, including those located in South Africa. A more nuanced history has been the outcome of this more comprehensive approach to the archives.