Although Lesotho is a small state never likely to be a major player in global affairs, its special interactions with South Africa make it a prototype for regional cooperation. Joint action by South Africa''s and Botswana''s military forces to end anarchy and preserve democracy in Lesotho serves as an important test case of regional peacekeeping in Africa.

This reference provides comprehensive entries on historical events and personalities and focuses especially on the Basotho who have shaped Lesotho''s development rather than on colonial officials and other expatriates. Greatest attention is given to the events, institutions, issues, personalities, places and external relationships of the post-independence era. The bibliography introduces a plethora of newer publications about Lesotho that have supplanted the rather sparse published literature previously available. An extensive chronology of Lesotho''s evolution is included.

The authors range of professional expertise and ability to compliment each author''s areas of specialization. Offers in depth coverage of the most crucial events and participants in Lesotho''s development.