Resulting in the weakening of state institutions and the rise of autocracy within the South African government.

It is told from Feinstein's insider's point of view as a former ANC Minister of Parliament.

The book deals with the South African Arms Deal,[3][1] South African policy towards the situation within Zimbabwe, HIV/AIDS denialism within the Mbeki regime,[4] the Jacob Zuma rape trial, and accounts of political infighting within the ruling ANC.

[3] Feinstein focuses on the Arms Deal as an example of how the ruling ANC's internal decline happened.

[5] The book ends with recommendations to help resolve these issues ranging from codes of ethical conduct to improved standards of transparency.