1. Introduction : apartheid's global significance -- 2. The debate on the nature of South African racial policies : totalitarian or colonial? -- 3. Origins of racial policy : consequence of an imperialist war or the prejudice of the frontier? -- 4. Segregation : home-grown or imported? -- 5. The theory and practice of apartheid : was there a blueprint? -- 6. South Africa in a post-colonial world : modernising or eroding apartheid? -- 7. From Vorster to Botha : new departure or militarised cul de sac? -- 8. The pursuit of a negotiated settlement : choice or necessity? -- 9. The unexpected transition to majority rule : analysing a miracle? -- 10. The worldwide anti-apartheid movement : peripheral or crucial? -- 11. Conclusion : taking the long view on apartheid's demise.