Andrew Feinstein

Andrew Feinstein is a South African investigative journalist, researcher, and author who specializes in exposing corruption within the global arms trade and international politics. As a former African National Congress (ANC) member of Parliament in South Africa, he served during Nelson Mandela's administration before resigning in 2001 in protest over the government's handling of an arms deal investigation. His most prominent work, "The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade" (2011), established him as a leading authority on international weapons trading and its connection to political corruption. The book was adapted into a documentary film and has been translated into multiple languages. Feinstein's first book "After the Party: A Personal and Political Journey Inside the ANC" (2007) detailed his experiences within South African politics and his investigation into a controversial arms deal that led to his resignation from Parliament. He currently serves as executive director of Shadow World Investigations (formerly Corruption Watch UK) and is a frequent contributor to major international media outlets. Following his political career, Feinstein has dedicated himself to academic work and activism, holding positions at Oxford University and serving on the boards of several anti-corruption organizations. His research and writing continue to focus on arms trade corruption, state capture, and the intersection of politics and business in global defense spending.

Readers appreciate Feinstein's detailed research and insider perspective on arms trade corruption and South African politics. Multiple reviews cite his ability to present complex information about weapons deals and political networks in an accessible way. Liked: - Comprehensive documentation and sourcing - Personal experiences in South African government add credibility - Clear explanations of complicated financial transactions - Exposure of specific corrupt dealings and players Disliked: - Dense material can be overwhelming - Some sections get bogged down in technical details - A few readers found the writing style dry - Occasional difficulty following the many names and connections Ratings: Goodreads: - "The Shadow World" - 4.2/5 (2,100+ ratings) - "After the Party" - 4.1/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: - "The Shadow World" - 4.4/5 (150+ reviews) - "After the Party" - 4.3/5 (40+ reviews) One reader noted: "Feinstein connects dots that desperately needed connecting in the murky world of arms dealing." Another wrote: "Sometimes too detailed for casual reading, but an important exposé backed by solid evidence."

After the Party: A Personal and Political Journey Inside the ANC (2007) A first-hand account of South African politics and the arms deal controversy from Feinstein's time as an ANC member of Parliament until his resignation in 2001.

The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade (2011) A detailed examination of the international weapons trade, documenting the networks between arms dealers, politicians, intelligence agencies, and corporations.

The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade (Updated Edition) (2017) An expanded version of the 2011 book incorporating new research and developments in global arms trading between 2011-2017.

Jeremy Scahill investigates military contractors and the privatization of warfare, focusing on companies like Blackwater and their political connections. His research into defense industry corruption and covert operations parallels Feinstein's work on the arms trade.

Peter Godwin writes about Zimbabwe's political transformation and corruption under Robert Mugabe from his perspective as a former resident. His firsthand accounts of African politics and governance share similar themes with Feinstein's coverage of South African political dynamics.

William D. Hartung analyzes the U.S. arms industry and its influence on foreign policy decisions. His research on defense contractors and military spending provides complementary insights to Feinstein's work on global arms trading.

Helen Epstein examines corruption and governance in African nations, particularly focusing on aid money and development programs. Her investigations into financial misconduct in African politics align with Feinstein's exploration of South African government corruption.

Nicholas Shaxson explores financial corruption and tax havens, revealing how money flows through global networks. His work on hidden financial systems connects with Feinstein's investigations into arms deal financing and political corruption.