Abstract:
This Presidential address briefly outlines the developments in Zimbabwe since independence in
1980 leading up to the current political and economic crisis. The Zimbabwean situation is assessed
within the conceptual framework of patrimonialism and predatory states. The origins of the
Zimbabwean crisis are then analysed in their economic and political context leading to an eventual
“fragile” or “failed” state. Evaluation of the crisis suggests that institutional damage has proceeded
to the point at which only large scale economic and political reconstruction offers sustainable long
term solutions, irrespective of when President Mugabe leaves office. The address concludes with
an examination of the regional implications for Southern African Development Community – as
well as the role of the global community – and outlines some of the core components of any
reconstruction process-to-be in Zimbabwe.
