"A return to protracted political crisis, and possibly extensive violence, is likely, as Zimbabwe holds inadequately prepared presidential, parliamentary and local elections on 31 July. Conditions for a free and fair vote do not exist. Confidence in the process and institutions is low. The voters roll is a shambles, security forces unreformed and the media grossly imbalanced. The electoral commission is under-funded and lacked time to prepare. Concerns about rigging are pervasive, strongly disputed results highly likely."
Asked by Michael Varacalli, from New York University
Robert Mugabe, age eighty-nine and in failing health, has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980. Zimbabwe faces numerous potential scenarios once he dies or, highly unlikely, if he is defeated in the upcoming summer elections.
Education is a linchpin of inclusive economic development, but poor countries in Africa and elsewhere too often fail poor students—worsening inequity and exclusion today, and undermining economic opportunities for future generations.
Asked by Paidamoyo Chikate, from College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University
U.S. and Western influence in Zimbabwe is limited compared to the region's powerhouse, South Africa. South Africa is Zimbabwe's largest trading partner, and South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, has wide-ranging contacts in Zimbabwean political circles.
As Zimbabwe moves closer to elections, the prospect for political violence grows. CFR Senior Fellow John Campbell argues that coordination on Zimbabwe policy can be the basis of a stronger overall U.S.-South Africa relationship to help promote free, fair and credible elections.
Zimbabwe has been ruled by a unity government since 2008, but President Robert Mugabe and his party continue to usurp power and pillage the country's wealth.
Michael Gerson writes that "Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is attempting something rare and difficult -- sharing power with the man who tried to murder him."
This ICG brief argues that in order for Zimbabwe's new coalition government to succeed, certain steps must be taken to make the reform process irreversible.
Speakers: Walter H. Kansteiner III and Tom McDonald Presider: Reed Kramer
Listen to experts detail Zimbabwe’s current political and economic situation, and prospects for the country’s future in the wake of the Southern African Development Community support for a multibillion-dollar economic recovery plan.
Speakers: Walter H. Kansteiner III and Tom McDonald Presider: Reed Kramer
Watch experts detail Zimbabwe's current political and economic situation, and prospects for the country's future in the wake of the Southern African Development Community support for a multibillion-dollar economic recovery plan.
This module features teaching notes for Planning for Post-Mugabe Zimbabwe by author and CFR Adjunct Fellow Michelle D. Gavin, along with other resources to supplement the text. This Council Special Report argues that by leading an international process to plan for the eventual departure of Zimbabwe's President Mugabe, the United States can increase the likelihood that change will bring constructive reform instead of conflict and state collapse.
In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on African Affairs, Michelle Gavin discusses the crisis in Zimbabwe and its prospects for resolution.
Author: Michelle D. Gavin Christian Science Monitor
Michelle Gavin writes that the real question before the international community is not whether to support Mr. Mugabe or Mr. Tsvangirai; it’s about acknowledging that the people of Zimbabwe have civil and political rights.
The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.
2011 Corporate Conference: Recaps and Highlights
To encourage the free flow of conversation, the 2011 Corporate Conference was entirely not-for-attribution; however, several conference speakers joined us for sideline interviews further exploring their areas of expertise.
Former Treasury secretary Robert E. Rubin and Nobel Laureate economist Michael Spence on the global economic outlook.
Foreign Affairs editor Gideon Rose and Edward Morse on energy geopolitics.
Special operations play a critical role in how the United States confronts irregular threats, but to have long-term strategic impact, the author argues, numerous shortfalls must be addressed.
The author analyzes the potentially serious consequences, both at home and abroad, of a lightly overseen drone program and makes recommendations for improving its governance.
An authoritative and accessible look at what countries must do to build durable and prosperous democracies—and what the United States and others can do to help. More
Through an in-depth analysis of modern Mexico, Shannon O'Neil provides a roadmap for the United States' greatest overlooked foreign policy challenge of our time—relations with its southern neighbor. More
