Böcker av Jane Duncan

Focuses on how decades of neoliberal capitalism have eroded the global democratic project and how, in the process, authoritarian politics are gaining ground. Scholars and activists from the political left focus on four country cases - India, Brazil, South Africa and the US - in which the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pre-existing crisis.

In 2013, Edward Snowden leaked secret documents revealing that state agencies had spied on the communications of millions of innocent citizens. Jane Duncan assesses the relevance of Snowden's revelations for South Africa. In doing so she questions the extent to which South Africa is becoming a surveillance society governed by a surveillance state.

'I think you are forgetting one thing, Twice,' I said. 'You seem to forget that my home is where you are.'Janet is unhappy in St Jago. Although Twice Alexander is now convalescing from his serious illness, the strain of the past year has caused an emotional rift between them-and Reachfar, her beloved childhood home, is sold. Friends from Cairnton, past and present, unknowingly provide the help she needs. The rich, pathetic Lady Hallinzeil arrives with Mrs Drew, her malignant companion; and later come those beloved friends of Janet's schooldays, Violetta Cervi and Kathleen Malone-now a famous singer.When these memorable characters leave, Janet and Twice are able to face their new life together with hope and understanding.

Illustrates how when securocrats dominate government decision-making, the democratic life of a country can be threatened. Duncan argues for the importance of keeping the security cluster under democratic, civilian control, and broadly accountable to the society they claim to serve.