The new is not yet born: conflict resolution in southern Africa

Abstract

The April 1994 election, in which black and white South Africans vote for the first time for a non-racial government, marks one of the many recent profound changes in Southern Africa. The authors of this book recount how Southern Africa has long endured costly, violent domestic and interstate conflicts, often complicated and intensified by external interventions and interests. They also analyze the various attempts to resolve Southern Africa's conflicts. They suggest that the democratic transition in Southern Africa opens the possibility to create a secure Southern Africa, but they also note that past-conflict legacies and new unanticipated conflicts could stand in the way.