Abstract

This book analyses the causes of armed conflicts in Southern Africa during the Cold War. It examines the influence of the various external forces in the region during this period and their relationship to local movements and governments.

The book focuses on states experiencing violent internal conflict and foreign intervention, that is Angola, Mozambique, Namibia , South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The author provides an unique history of the key part that the Soviet Union played in these developments. Spanning 30 years, the book explores how each country struggled for genuine independence against colonialism and apartheid and their place in the wider conflicts encompassed by the Cold War.
'The Soviet Union's support for Southern African nationalism against Western imperialism is a crucial case study. There is no better author [on this subject] than Vladimir Shubin'
Patrick Bond, author of Looting Africa, and professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal
'An illuminating, well researched and accessible account of the forces at work and the factors determining policies at particular times'
Raymond Suttner, Professor, University of South Africa, Pretoria, author of The ANC underground, former ANC and SACP leader and one time political prisoner
'Vladimir Shubin has unrivalled knowledge of the Soviet role in Africa in the decades of the Cold War. His personal yet scholarly account will be required reading for anyone interested in the fascinating story of the liberation of southern Africa'
Chris Saunders, University of Cape Town