Southern Africa : an American enigma /

Ali asserts ``South Africa certainly has the immediate capability of producing atomic nuclear bombs.'' But does it? And what if it does? Ali (North Carolina Central University) hardly explores the implications of his declarative statement. Nor does he do much more in this survey of southern Africa than offer a selection of facts under various chapter headings, such as ``Apartheid,'' ``Repression and Resistance,'' and ``Economic Trends.'' He then discusses policy implications. Unhappily, Ali's details are dated; the book seems to be about six or seven years old in concept and material. Moreover, he repeats much that is now discredited. One example is his discussion of US mineral needs, and the entire strategic value of South Africa. This is neither a satisfying nor a comprehensive book. It is neither informed by theory nor leavened with analysis.-R.I. Rotberg, Tufts University