Zimbabwe’s foreign policy in a changing international context: Continuities and discontinuities.

Abstract

This research examines the extent to which Zimbabwe‟s foreign policy has continued on the same trajectory since the country‟s independence in 1980 and how it has adapted to the changing dynamics in the international environment. The objectives of the study were to describe the key principles of Zimbabwe‟s foreign policy as a new member of the international community; analyse the motivating factors behind the country‟s foreign policy positions in the international system; ascertain whether Zimbabwe‟s foreign policy has consistently been guided by the same principles that were adopted at independence; and assess the relevance of the founding principles of the country‟s foreign policy in a changing international context. In interrogating Zimbabwe‟s conduct in the external world, the study used the theory of constructivism dramatizing its emphasis on the role of ideas, beliefs and norms as they influence foreign policy formulation. The research employed a case study design whereby qualitative research methods, in particular indepth interviews with key informants and documentary analysis were used for data gathering. Data was analysed using thematic and content analysis for interview and documentary data, respectively. The results of the research show that there has been continuity and consistency in the conduct of Zimbabwe‟s foreign policy. This state of affairs owes to the continuity in players at the political level as evidenced by the continued political hegemony of the ZANU-PF party. The liberation war ethos has also steadfastly influenced the country‟s foreign policy. Nevertheless, on the aspect of relevance, results show that Zimbabwe‟s foreign policy has not adapted to the changing dynamics in the international system and is, thus, fast losing relevance. The research concludes that whereas Zimbabwe has largely pursued a consistent foreign policy path since independence, it is fast becoming irrelevant and inadequate to deal with emerging themes and issues in the ever mutating international environment.