Princeton Lyman, the U.S. ambassador during the transition, makes clear that America didn't "own" the transition process-the South Africans did. But U.S. involvement was active and intense. And it made a difference.

Lyman tells an enthralling story of how Washington policymakers and the American embassy used U.S. influence, economic assistance, and political support to help end apartheid without sparking civil war. The book offers candid assessments both of U.S. policy deliberations and of the leading players in the unfolding, unpredictable drama. It takes us behind the diplomatic scenes as well as onto the public stage, as American diplomats strove to facilitate dialogue, encourage reconciliation, and dissuade potential spoilers.

About the Author

Princeton N. Lyman was U.S. ambassador to South Africa from 1992 through 1995. Previously, he served as ambassador to Nigeria and assistant secretary of state for international affairs. A senior fellow at the United States Institute of Peace in 1999-2000, he is currently executive director, Global Interdependence Initiative, Aspen Institute.