Contemporary South Africa

Introduction.- Historical Context.- A Rainbow Nation?.- The South African Economy.- Social Structure and Social Policy.- Government.- Political Life.- Culture, Ideas and Issues.- South Africa and the World.- South Africa in the 21st Century.

Anthony Butler

Endorsements of 1st edition:'This timely book fills an important gap: a reliable, intelligent and accessible introduction to contemporary South Africa. The country's history of colonialism, segregation and apartheid left deep scars on the society; the 'rainbow' euphoria of the first democratic election in 1994 has been succeeded by more pragmatic politics; and South Africa faces crucial issues such as deep-seated poverty, soaring unemployment and the AIDS pandemic. Butler is a sure-footed guide across complex terrain; he is particularly deft in summarising hotly contested debates around social policy, economic development, and how race and class pattern South African life in the twenty-first century.' - Professor Colin Bundy, Director, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK 'This concise but penetrating work is informed by the state-of-the-art literature on South African politics, economics, and history. It will be useful for graduate and undergraduate courses on comparative politics but will also appeal to the general reader. I recommend it strongly.' - Professor Ian Shapiro, Yale University, USA 'This is an important book for anyone interested in South Africa's political transformation. It is essential reading for students of political science and for a wider readership interested in democratisation in developing societies.' - Professor Hans Keman, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Editor of the European Journal of Political Research  'Anthony Butler has delivered a lucid and comprehensive account of the main currents in contemporary South African affairs. He reaches balanced conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of this 'rainbow nation's' new order. Readers who seek an informed, reliable and up-to-date overview need look no further.' - Professor Michael Bratton, Michigan State University, USA   '... [A] solid guide... [it] is bang up to date... [and] is an excellent guide to South Africa today.' - Stephen Ellis, Afrika Studie