"A Military History of South Africa: From the Dutch-Khoi Wars to the End of
Apartheid" represents the first comprehensive military history of South Africa
from the beginning of European colonization in the Cape during the 1650s to the
current postapartheid republic. With particular emphasis on the last 200 years,
this balanced analysis stresses the historical importance of warfare and
military structures in the shaping of modern South African society. Important
themes include military adaptation during the process of colonial conquest and
African resistance, the growth of South Africa as a regional military power from
the early 20th century, and South African involvement in conflicts of the
decolonization era.