Rhodesian War: Fifty Years On

Fifty years on, this superb and exciting book depicts the military history of Southern Rhodesia from the first resistance to colonial rule, through the period of UDI by the Smith government to the Lancaster House agreement that transferred power. There are vivid accounts of the operations against the black nationalist ‘guerillas’ by the security forces and the intensity of the fighting and courage of the participants will surprise and enthrall readers. Atrocities were undoubtedly committed by both sides but equally the protagonists were playing for very high stakes. But this is more than just a book on military operations. The Authors are able to provide expert analysis of the historical situation and examines events up to the present day, including Mugabe’s operations against rival tribes and white farmers. For a thorough work on its subject this book cannot be bettered. Essential reading for those wishing to learn more about a counter-insurgency campaign. The ingenuity of the Rhodesian military fighting against overwhelming odds and restricted by sanctions is impressive but the outcome culminating in the Lancaster House Agreement was inevitable. AUTHOR: Professor Paul Moorcraft is a published author and journalist living near Guildford. He was a senior instructor at Sandhurst but lived for many years in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He is currently Visiting Professor at Cardiff University and Director of the Centre for Foreign Policy Analysis, London. Peter McLaughlin was in the Rhodesian policy during the civil war. He still lives in Zimbabwe and is an academic and author. SELLING POINTS: . Re-published to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration Unilateral Independence (UDI) which marked the start of hostilities. . The authoritative history of the bitter civil war in South Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. . Dramatic accounts of the military operations between the white regime’s security forces and the Black ‘freedom fighters’ alongside a skilled analysis of the historical and political background. . Zimbabwe remains in the news due to the dire situation under President Mugabe’s rule. . A detailed study of a counter-insurgency campaign with many lessons being brought out. 16pp b/w plates