Evert Kleynhans - Böcker

The Handbook of African Defence and Armed Forces provides the first in-depth and multifaceted analysis of the evolution and current state of national defence policies, strategies, doctrines, capabilities, security challenges, and strategic responses of African states and their armed forces. Geographically, these aspects are investigated at the national, sub-regional, and regional levels. Chronologically, they are analysed against the backdrop of the 'superpower withdrawal' from the continent in the 1990s, and the so-called 'New Scramble for Africa', which has seen a crescendo of renewed great power interest in the continent's resources, as well as its strategic role, location, and relevance since the 2000s. The book takes a bottom-up and African-centric approach, and is organized around five key themes: i) the differing security outlooks and defence policies of African powers within the region and the different sub-regions; ii) the strategies, doctrines, transformation, and employment of African armed forces; iii) the relationship between African armed forces with sub-regional, regional, and international organizations; iv) the challenges that African states and their armed forces have been facing and their strategic responses; and v) the position of African perspectives and agency in the context of continental and international security and defence. Understanding African security and defence, especially in terms of each individual nation's ability to contribute to peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism, border security, and internal security requires a focus on the national level of armed forces and defence policies; this in turns sheds light on sub-regional and regional divergences, challenges, and cooperation. Based on this framework, the chapters in this volume offer comprehensive African perspectives on African and international security and defence, and in doing so show the agency of the continent's countries and armed forces in International Security and Relations.

The story of the intelligence war in South Africa during the Second World War is one of suspense, drama and dogged persistence. In 1939, when the Union of South Africa entered the war on Britain's side, the German government secretly contacted the political opposition, and the leadership of the anti-war movement, the Ossewabrandwag.The Nazis' aim was to spread sedition, undermine the Allied war effort, and - given the strategic importance of the Cape of Good Hope sea route - gain naval intelligence. Soon U-boat packs were sent to operate in South African waters, to deadly effect.With the Ossewabrandwag's help, a network of German spies was established to gather and relay back to the Reich important political and military intelligence. Agents would send coded messages to Axis diplomats in neighbouring Mozambique. Meanwhile, police detectives and MI5 hunted in vain for illegal wireless transmitters.Hitler's South African Spies presents an unrivalled account of German intelligence networks in wartime South Africa. It also details the hunt in post-war Europe for witnesses to help the government bring charges of high treason against key Ossewabrandwag members.

Favouring manoeuvre over attrition, and often punching above their weight, South African soldiers have become known for their tenacity, dash and ability to defy the odds. Their unique directive command style has also helped them to excel in defining battles and operations, from the campaign in German South West Africa in 1915 to the cross-border operations in Angola during the Border War. In 20 Battles, military historians Evert Kleynhans and David Brock Katz investigate the evolution of South Africa’s armed forces over a century. They track the evolution of the doctrine and structure of the defence force, rediscovering historical continuity and the lessons learned in past battles and operations. What is clear is that when South African soldiers have the freedom to operate according to their manoeuvre doctrine, such as in East Africa in 1916 and southern Ethiopia in 1941, they can achieve stunning results. But when hemmed in by rigid doctrine and top-down command style, as at Delville Wood in 1916 and Tobruk in 1942, the results can be tragic. 20 Battles combines both battlefield drama and crisp analysis and will provide much-needed perspective on the South Africa way of war.

This edited collection is based off work presented at the 15th International Conference on Military Geosciences (ICMG24), hosted by the Faculty of Military Sciences at Stellenbosch University. The goal of this publication is to compile and expand upon the research and discussions presented at the event, highlighting the integration of geosciences into military strategy and historical and contemporary operations. The book aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, practitioners and students engaged in the broad fields of geosciences, military studies, environmental science, historical geography, terrain analysis and related disciplines, offering a synthesis of current trends, methodologies, and applications critical to the advancement of military operations. The edited collection seeks to enhance the scholarly and operational discourse on military geosciences overall by providing an avenue for the latest research, case studies, and theoretical insights. It intends to stimulate further investigation and encourage the practical application of military studies and geoscientific knowledge in military planning and decision-making. The book details how geoscientific understanding informs strategic advantage, operational efficacy, and risk mitigation in military contexts. It emphasizes terrain analysis, environmental considerations, geospatial intelligence, resource management, and the pivotal role of historical-geographical insights in shaping contemporary military strategies and operations. By integrating authoritative research and analysis, this book contributes to the knowledge and professional development of its readers and prepares them to adeptly handle the intricacies of both present and future military challenges. Structured to document significant advancements, inspire cross-disciplinary collaboration, and enhance the application of geosciences in military contexts, it establishes itself as an essential educational resource, fostering a deeper comprehension and innovative application within the field.