(Politics and International Affairs) ISBN: 9781779331946
Zimbabwe occupies a special place in African politics and
international relations, and has been the subject of intense debates
over the years. At independence in 1980, the country was better
endowed than most in Africa, and seemed poised for economic
development and political pluralism. The population was relatively
well educated, the industrial and agricultural bases were strong, and
levels of infrastructure were impressive.
However, in less than two decades, Zimbabwe was mired in a deep
political and economic crisis. Towards the end of its third decade of
independence, the economy had collapsed and the country had been
transformed into a repressive state.
How can we make sense of this decline? How can we explain the 'lost
decade' that followed? Can the explanation be reduced to the
authoritarian leadership of Robert Mugabe and role of ZANU-PF? Or was
something defective about in the institutions through which the state
has exercised its authority? Or was it the result of imperialism, the
West and sanctions?
Zimbabwe's Lost Decade draws on Lloyd Sachikonye's analyses of
political developments over the past 25 years. It offers a critique of
leadership, systems of governance, and economic strategies, and argues
for democratic values and practices, and more broad-based
participation in the development process.
