The Militarization of South African Politics

Since the 1970s the South African security establishment has positioned itself at the centre of power, participating in almost all the organs of government as well as many non-governmental institutions, with the result that the military's influence and that of the police is now prevalent in the country's education system, the press, political parties, the economy and foreign policy. This books examines the historical process that has led to the military becoming a predominant force in South Africa and shows how even greater militarization of society appears inevitable. In its original form, this study provoked the South African government into an unprecedented press conference to deny the substance of its claims. This edition includes a new postscript on recent events.