Description
A Country At War With Itself by Antony Altbeker is a nonfiction analysis of violent crime in South Africa and its impact on society. The book examines the scale, nature, and consequences of crime, exploring how it affects individuals across different socio-economic groups and contributes to a climate of fear and insecurity.
Altbeker moves beyond raw statistics to investigate the underlying patterns and evolution of crime, considering both everyday incidents and broader systemic issues. He analyses how fear shapes behaviour, from fortified homes in middle-class communities to the heightened vulnerability experienced by poorer populations.
The book also evaluates government responses to crime, highlighting periods of active intervention as well as moments of denial or inaction. Through this, it presents a critical perspective on policy, policing, and public discourse surrounding crime in the country.
Concluding with proposals for addressing the crisis, A Country At War With Itself offers a structured and evidence-based examination of one of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges. It is suited to readers interested in current affairs, criminology, and socio-political analysis within a contemporary South African context.
