Namibia is widely regarded as a success story in the transition from war to peace, from apartheid colonialism to harmonious national reconciliation, and from racial authoritarian rule to multi- party democracy. How accurate are these images, and how did they come about? The authors of this volume explore dimensions such as the con- struction of a nationalist discourse in Namibia, its social struc- ture of still glaring inequality, the role of the churches and the fabric of government, as well as the still unresolved question of land reform. They convey inside glimpses of the ways traditional communities have weathered the onslaughts of communal rule and how they changed and preserved their identities. Authors address the unfinished business of dealing with a violent past, in commemorating and recalling the genocidal colonial wars of 1903-1908, and also the still festering wounds of the liberation struggle, including the plight of SWAPO's ex-detainees. In this way, the volume gives up-to-date insight into central di- mensions of the country's efforts to cope with its history of vi- olence, change and continuity. The contributions alert readers to the efforts of various groups of people in Namibia to come to terms and cope with their difficult heritage