McLaughlin, Peter/Moorcraft, Paul The Rhodesian War

Fifty Years On

Fifty years later, this book traces the military history of Southern Rhodesiafrom the initial resistance against colonial rule, through the era of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) under the Smith government, to the Lancaster House Agreement that sealed the transfer of power. The work features vivid accounts of the operations conducted by security forces against black nationalist "guerrillas"; the intensity of the combat, as well as the courage of those involved, will both surprise and captivate readers. Undoubtedly, atrocities were committed by both sidesyet the stakes for the protagonists were equally high. Nevertheless, this is far more than merely a book about military operations: the authors provide an expert analysis of the broader historical context, shedding light on events right up to the present dayincluding Mugabes actions against rival tribes and white farmers. It is essential reading for anyone seeking deeper insights into the conduct of counter-insurgency campaigns. The ingenuity with which the Rhodesian military fought against overwhelming oddsand under the restrictions of international sanctionsis undoubtedly impressive; yet the ultimate outcome, culminating in the Lancaster House Agreement, was inevitable.