An impressive mythology-both positive and negative-envelops Thabo Mbeki, the South African president who succeeded Nelson Mandela in 1999. Key questions arise: Does he have an ideology? If so, what informs it, and how does it translate into practice? Has Mbeki, as president, managed to capture and articulate a clear vision, and a sense of collective values? Does he offer the leadership South Africa needs?

For new democracies like South Africa, the defining role of leadership in shaping institutions and a political culture is more enduring and significant than in established political systems. This book draws on the formidable analytical capabilities of writers who offer critical perspectives of the globally dominant neo-liberal order, and Mbeki's place in that world.

The result is a series of fascinating and provocative insights into the Mbeki presidency and its political character.

The book firstly explores Thabo Mbeki from an ideological perspective. Is there a central strand of thinking that informs his politics and his policy-making? It is of great significance how Mbeki builds, fortifies and interacts with his core base and his most important constituencies, especially in and around the ANC-led ruling alliance.

Secondly, it argues that it is important to understand Mbeki in order to grasp how the South African government operates post-1999.
An impressive mythology envelops Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela's successor to the South African presidency. But key questions arise: Does he have an ideology? If so, what informs it, and how does it translate into practice? Has Mbeki managed to capture and articulate a clear vision, and a sense of collective values? Does he offer the leadership South Africa needs? This book offers critical perspectives of the globally dominant neo-liberal order, and Mbeki's place in that world.

The book first explores whether there is a central strand of thinking that informs Mbeki's politics and policy-making, and examines how Mbeki builds, fortifies and interacts with his core base and most important constituencies. Secondly, it argues that it is important to understand Mbeki in order to grasp how the South African government operates post-1999.

The book provides a comprehensive study of Mbeki's leadership and its implications for South Africa's future. It assumes that Mbeki will remain the dominant political figure in South Africa until 2009 and that his presidency will permanently mould the destiny of South Africa's political system and culture.