Series: Internationale Politik und Sicherheit (Volume 46)
Nomos-Verlagsgesellschaft Baden-Baden, December 1996
hardcover, 281 pages
ISBN 3-7890-4328-1
In December 1995, Nomos Publishing House released Klaus von der Ropp’s book "Südafrikas dorniger Weg auf der Suche nach Frieden: Aufsätze 1975-1995" (English translation: "South Africa's Thorny Path in Search of Peace: Essays 1975–1995"), a collection of 17 articles he authored between 1975 and 1995. It offers a documentary account of the final phase of apartheid in South Africa and his perspective on the prospects and challenges for the emerging new order.
In his review for Neue Zürcher Zeitung published on August 19th, 1996 (NZZ No. 191, p. 21), Pierre Spoerri (†2017) praised Klaus von der Ropp for his courageous and deeply engaged analysis of South Africa’s transition, emphasizing that “one man, one vote” alone cannot ensure a stable democracy in such a complex, multi-ethnic society. Von der Ropp’s long-term observations and critical engagement with all sides, including Afrikaners and the ANC, underscored his call for a unique political solution respecting all groups. Spoerri warned that post-apartheid South Africa still needs international attention, as its success or failure will have wide-reaching implications beyond the continent.
Below is the book's full content including a foreword by Van Zyl Slabbert, an introduction, all 17 original articles (as opposed to the reprinted format used in the book), and Klaus von der Ropp’s reflections.
