This is the story of an African success. It describes how Botswana, an obscure nation in southern Africa, employs its capable, professional army to secure its wildlife resources - a precious heritage of all mankind. This narrative speaks well for a government and an army on a continent where officials and soldiers are widely held in disrepute. The book describes how Botswana’s leaders clearly defined their nation’s interests and effectively employed the instruments of power at their disposal, portraying a state that works. It argues that Africans are contributing meaningfully to emerging global thinking on security and urges Africa’s friends to take advantage of opportunities for productive partnerships over environmental issues.