I Am Prepared to Die

The speech starts with Nelson Mandela stating, “I am the First Accused” (1). Why is it important for him to avoid denying responsibility for the actions he is accused of?

Mandela denies acting under the influence or direction of communist forces, but he does not disavow either socialist or capitalist economic strategies. In a world divided between warring superpowers, how does he maintain his political independence?

How does Mandela describe his unique political ideology and influences? What practical, ethical, and political considerations have led him to develop this ideology?