19 Words That Shocked the World: Mandela’s Defiant Call for Freedom

"Many analysts make the mistake of thinking that their enemies should be our enemies."

This reflects his stance on diplomacy, unity, and independent decision-making in international relations. Mandela was emphasizing the importance of determining allies and adversaries based on one’s own principles and circumstances, rather than simply adopting the conflicts or enemies of others. He was advocating for a more nuanced approach, especially in the context of South Africa’s foreign policy after apartheid, where the country had to establish its own stance in global politics, free from external pressures or biases.