Originally published in 1988, this book describes and analyses the factors that were operative in South Africa during the 1980s, at a time when Apartheid was under intense pressure. It focuses not only on the central arenas of political action, but also on the non-institutional arenas which were increasingly the central forums of political action. Organised around the three linked themes of state action, popular opposition and possible alternatives, the work examines the manner in which such key institutions such as government, business and the military responded to Apartheid in its crisis as well as the role of the ANC, the black trade unions, Inkatha and community movements in the townships. The final section deals with the South African left and the Freedom Charter.