Morning in South Africa

(Hardback)

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This incisive, deeply informed book introduces post-apartheid South Africa to an international audience. South Africa has a history of racism and white supremacy. This crushing historical burden continues to resonate today. Under President Jacob Zuma, South Africa is treading water. Nevertheless, despite calls to undermine the 1994 political settlement characterized by human rights guarantees and the rule of law, distinguished diplomat John Campbell argues that the countrys future is bright and that its democratic institutions will weather its current lackluster governance. The book opens with an overview to orient readers to South Africas historical inheritance. A look back at the presidential inaugurations of Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma and Mandelas funeral illustrates some of the ways South Africa has indeed changed since 1994. Reviewing current demographic trends, Campbell highlights the persistent consequences of apartheid. He goes on to consider education, health, and current political developments, including land reform, with an eye on how South Africas democracy is responding to associated thorny challenges. The book ends with an assessment of why prospects are currently poor for closer South African ties with the West. Campbell concludes, though, that South Africas democracy has been surprisingly adaptable, and that despite intractable problems, the black majority are no longer strangers in their own country.

Reviews

Foreign policy professional Campbell uses the idea of morning . . . to describe post-apartheid South Africa's progress since 1994. The country's history from settlement by Europeans in 1652 to the death of Nelson Mandela in 2013 occupies a significant portion of the book. . . . Valuable comparisons are made between Jim Crow in the U.S. and apartheid. . . . When discussing the present day, Campbell describes a South Africa that is on the cusp of political and economic transformation, whether for good or ill, but sees no immediate likelihood of the country going over that brink. . . . He doesn't shy away from the failings of the deal made to end apartheid, including the fact that whites are still, economically, the dominant race in the country, and the failings of the Mandela and Mbeki administrations to adequately address the HIV/AIDS crisis . . . Campbell ends the book on an optimistic note, acknowledging that South Africa's young democracy has many opportunities to grow and improve. * Publishers Weekly *
In the process of making the contrarian argument that South Africas prospects are promising despite the countrys current difficulties, Campbell has also written an excellent introduction to the South African political economy.... Campbells optimism stems from his belief that the countrys democratic institutions are strong and resilient and that its people have already completed much of the hard work of building a nonracial democracy.... [T]he books reasonable tone and fact-based review of the record represent a useful antidote to more common alarmist accounts. Also welcome is Campbells call for more active and ambitious U.S. engagement with South Africa. * Foreign Affairs *
Readers interested in understanding the differences and similarities between the democratic cultures of SA and the US, the basis for building and sustaining any strategic partnership variables such as size, location, economic development, racial composition and the number and nature of domestic and international conflicts will find Campbells chapter 'The historical trajectory' especially helpful. * Business Day Live *
Those of us who worked hard to support the black citizens of South Africa in their struggle for majority rule have been rooting for that young democracy to succeed.Two decades later, we are concerned about their ability to surmount some difficult political and economic challenges. For that reason, we are happy to be reassured by Ambassador John Campbell that South Africa's democratic institutions are alive and well, and that the outlook remains optimistic. I can't think of any scholar who is more qualified to provide a thorough analysis of South Africa's past, present, and future than John Campbell. -- Herman J. Cohen, U.S. Ambassador (retired)
John Campbell has it exactly right: South Africa's dawn (1994) has given way to a morning after, poised between hope and hangover. After a decade and a half of unworthy leadership, the country suffers from draining coffers, a local currency in free fall, and a stark landscape littered with dashed hopes. But, more than anyone, Campbell shows us how this glass is in fact half full. The unparalleled talent, energy, laughter, and determination in a society unlike any other in the world will carry it through to better times. Such beauty and fascination cannot wither. Campbell's case is beyond convincingit is proof positive that South Africa will advance at its own pace, in its own timebut advance, none the less. -- Daniel Whitman, American University
Morning in South Africa should be widely read. In a taut volume, John Campbell elucidates key aspects of change and continuity since the end of apartheid. He depicts how the countrys 'brand' has declinedalong with the reputation of its national leaders. Despite social and economic disappointments, however, the institutions of constitutional democracy are firm: fair elections, an independent judiciary, and freedoms of association and speech. Campbell is optimistic that South Africa can still fulfill the hopes inspired by its glorious emancipation from racial oppression. -- Richard Joseph, Northwestern University
John Campbell's book could not be more timely. South Africa is facing serious economic and political challenges. Relations with the United States are at a dangerous low. This book goes deep into those issues but also demonstrates that the institutions of democracy, judicial integrity, the free press, and a dynamic civil society are strong and will not only survive but will assure a brighter future. The relationship with the United States can be rebuilt in this environment, and that should be a priority of both countries. -- Princeton Lyman, United States Institute of Peace, former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa

Author Bio

John Campbell is the Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. He entered the U.S. Foreign Service as a political officer in 1975 and served at the American embassy in Pretoria/Cape Town from 1993 to 1996. His books include Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink.