From Apartheid to Nation-building

Book excerpt: This book studies apartheid--its background, ideology, implementation, and function--and reform-apartheid, the South African government's latest solution to the continuing crisis. Part One demonstrates that the apartheid system was not unique; rather, that it was built upon the segregation order which had developed as South Africa industrialized with the discovery of diamonds and gold. Part Two critically examines the current South African situation and addresses possibilities for a resolution to the present conflict. The authors explore the emerging political trends, the effects of the sanctions campaign, the prospects for an internationally backed settlement, and the effects of internal pressure for change. Drawing on available literature, the authors then propose a framework for resolution.