The developments of the past seven years are reflected throughout in this thoroughly revised edition of Politics in Southern Africa.

Bauer and Taylor systematically examine politics and society in the region. After introducing the themes that guide their analysis, in each of eight country studies they trace the country's historical origins and then analyze state institutions, political parties and civil society, fundamentals of the political economy, and the major challenges faced by state and society. In the final section of the book, they investigate issues that transcend regional borders: women and politics, living with HIV/AIDS, and southern Africa's role on the continent and in the world.