Presenters;

Lt Col Mashingaidze
Lt Col Dube
DIO Mweso
 Introduction

Zimbabwe’s high and low profile foreign policy has been attributed to
both effective domestic policy management record in the 1980s and the
1997 land dispute between Britain and Zimbabwe dubbed ‘Britain’s
diplomatic blunder’ (Holland, 2008:92).

Foreign policy pursuits were quite successful between 1980 and 1990s,
the 1997 hitches with Britain saw most of the regions; West Africa,
Southern Africa, East Asia, South West Asia, Western Europe, Eastern
Europe, North America, South America and Australia either adopting a
sit-back or aggressive diplomatic posture against her.

Zimbabwe`s fortunes on the international arena had turned upside down

due to Western European-instigated diplomatic / economic embargo.
Zimbabwe realign its foreign policy priority, the ‘Look-East Policy.’

The December 2017 rebranded ZANU PF Government of President

ED Mnangagwa, whose foreign policy thrust is ‘Reengagement and
negotiate relations’, marked a promising start where Western European
countries like Britain and Germany responded by promising to mend
relations with Zimbabwe once the reengagement modalities take off.

Foreign Policy of a country can be defined as a set of goals that seek to

outline how that country will interface at an official level with other
countries of the world and, to a lesser extent, with non-state actors in
pursuit of its national economic, political, social and cultural interests.

3
Zimbabwe’s foreign policy objectives are grounded in safeguarding the
country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; the protection of its
prestige and image; the pursuit of policies that improve the standard of
living of all Zimbabweans wherever they are; and the creation and
maintenance of an international environment conducive for the
attainment of these goals.

On the international arena and under the new dispensation,

Zimbabwe has taken the necessary diplomatic innovations of re-
engagement with the international community and Multilateral
institutions ‘Transactional Economic Diplomacy’.
 Insight into the theories of International Relations as an
overview
Systemic Level Concepts
 Conceptualise a possible Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy ranking
priority
Conclusion
The success Zimbabwe’s attainment of its foreign policy
objectives on the various regions, throughout the good and bad
times were a combination of her application of key theories like
Realism, Liberalism and Functionalism with Rational Actor Model
as the determining tool of decision-making.
Realism which focuses on state security and power above all else
(Mearsheimer, 2006:73); was the most dominant in Zimbabwe’s
politics of diplomacy.

Early realists such as E.H. Carr and Hans Morgenthau posited that
states are self-interested i.e. the choice to adopt offensive
diplomacy or engage in war, power-seeking rational actors [choose
to pursue power supremacy], and seek to maximize their security
and chances of survival.
Liberal theory stresses the interdependence among states, multinational
corporations, and international institutions, for example, this was the
case why Zimbabwe’s Foreign put primacy on countries of SADC, AU,
Eastern Asia, Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

Functionalists focus on common interests and needs shared by states (but

also by non-state actors) in a process of global integration triggered by
the erosion of state sovereignty and the increasing weight of knowledge
and hence of scientists and experts in the process of policy-making
(Rosamond, 2000).
‘Comparing Functionalism to Realism’
Activity Realism Functionalism Comments
Dominant goals of actors Military security Peace and prosperity security through: Power vs
collaboration

Instruments of state policy Military force and economic Economic instruments and State policy of assertion vs
instruments political acts of will negotiation

Forces behind agenda formation Potential shifts in the balance of Initial emphasis on low politics, Agenda sought: maintenance of
power and security threats such as economic and social position vs reaching consensus
issues

Role of international
organizations
Minor; limited by state power and Substantial; new, functional International involvement: minimal
the importance of military force international organizations will vs substantial
formulate policy and become
increasingly responsible for
implementation
Systemic level concepts are those broad concepts that define and shape
an international milieu, characterized by anarchy as was the case with
Zimbabwe’s need to survive against the European Union sanctions, the
US’ ZIDERA, Australia imposed targeted sanctions and the passive
diplomatic politics experienced in West, North and East Africa.

9
 The anarchic international politics since 2000 and the new political
dispensation of 27 December 2017, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy rank
priority list as per region is suggested as follows; Southern Africa, East
Asia, South West Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, South
America, North America, West Africa and Australia.

Our basis of rating was arived at by utilizing one selected model of

Foreign Policy Decision-Making ‘The Rational Actor Model’ where
Allison (1971: 30) defines rationality as “consistent, value-maximizing
choice within specific constrains” or

“attempts to maximize expected utility in his choice between risky

options by weighing the utilities of individual outcomes by their
probabilities and chooses the option with the higher weighted sum”
(Levy, 1992: 172).
 Rank 1: Southern Africa ‘SADC’

Justifiable firstly from a realist standpoint that focuses on

state security and Honourable Minister, Dr Moyo’s
concentric circle Foreign Policy application approach.
 Rank 1: Southern Africa ‘SADC’ Cont’d

Zimbabwe’s relations with its neighbours in SADC are of

paramount importance and as a result, the country is proud
to be an active member of a united family of 16 nations with
shared goals, ambitions and developmental targets.

From a liberalism perspective that regards highly SADC as

political institutions that has promoted social/political
cohesion whose foundation is in the sisterly spirit espoused
since the Frontline era.
Zimbabwe takes pride in the institutionalisation of SADC and other
institutions and mechanisms that include the SADC Mutual Defence
Pact and the formation of the SADC Brigade.

Economically, with South Africa and Zambia being Zimbabwe’s largest

and second trading partner respectively fosters the need for further
socio-economic and political bilateral and multi-relations the rest of
member states.

The prioritization of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy is guided by a number

of considerations; forging bilateral cooperation, political, socio-
economic and cultural cooperation with our neighbours within SADC
and the region’s contributing to international peace and security and
development through the United Nations.
Rank 2: East Asia (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore…)

The Look East Policy Visions and Strategies provide guidelines on the
thrust of Zimbabwe’s co-operation and prioritise projects in which a co-
operating country has expressed interest, projects in which Zimbabwe
has comparative advantage over.

ChinaIndonesia

Malaysia
 Rank 2: East Asia (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore…) cont’d

From a liberalist political view, the Look East policy re-alignment was
reciprocated by the UNSC debate on military intervention in Zimbabwe
where China vetoed. The military bilateral relations with both China and
Pakistan were strengthened during the same period. The other
preference push factor on this region is on the rationality of pole
economic influences of China, Singapore and Malaysia within the G-15 
and  G-77 economic groupings.
 The economic consideration, China’s led Forum for China-Africa
Cooperation (FOCAC) is an economic forum that provides Zimbabwe
and the rest of Africa some leverages out of Western sponsored Bretton
woods financial systems.
Of note, China has invested more in Zimbabwe than any other nation
with 35 companies spending over $600 million USD.

Malaysia and Singapore are ever inspirational to Zimbabwe by being the

Asian tigers whose economic blueprints are among the best
developmental case studies.

Under the new dispensation administrations, Zimbabwe’s Foreign

Policy is expected to further expand its gains on social field,
particularly the areas of science education and research and
development.
Rank 3: Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine, Armenia etc)

The Herald, Mr Busisa Moyo ; Economic relations between Zimbabwe

and Russia are poised for strong growth after the two countries agreed
to set up a forum to facilitate and promote trade and investments….
The Russian delegation was also thankful to the Government of
Zimbabwe on the progress made in settling the issue with DTZ-OZGEO
diamond assets. GTL expressed interest in finding partners is energy
sector to introduce its gas-to-liquid technology in Zimbabwe. Alumet is
seeking opportunities to sell their aluminium products in the local
Rank 3: Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine, Armenia etc)
cont’d

2000–2009, China accounted for 39 per cent of Zimbabwean imports

of major conventional weapons, followed by Ukraine (35 per cent).
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have also exported a small
volume of major conventional weapons to Zimbabwe since 2000, while
Czechoslovakia was an exporter during the early 1990s.
Rank 4: Western Europe (Great Britain, France,
Germany…)
Strategic Plan ‘Reengagement and Negotiate’ pillars are; Invocation of
relations with the West, Strengthen ties with the East, Engage the
diasporas and Manage perceptions.

Chitiyo and Kibble (2014: 20), between 2000 and 2012 the diaspora
brought an estimated £50 million per month into the Zimbabwean
economy; with around £10 million from the United Kingdom.

Propose that this region is so critical such that there is need for
dedicated Ministry efforts to address issues with the diasporas such as
investment, remittances, the diaspora vote, diaspora returns, the
economy and wider diaspora-Zimbabwe partnership.
 Rank 5: South West Asia(India, Pakistan etc) cont’d

Region is a hub of development in terms of scientific technology.

Global Security Report 2000-2018, the Look East Vision and Strategies
provide guidelines on the thrust of Zimbabwe’s co-operation priority
interest are a product of Rational Choice Actor decision and so is India,
Pakistan, etc.

India-Africa Forum Summit merits Zimbabwe’s policy priority.

The region still remains Zimbabwe’s strategic economic allay.

Rank 6: South America region (Brazil, Argentine,
etc)
With agricultural financing support to Land Reform dried up, the
Zimbabwe government approached Brazil among other countries to help
resuscitate the agricultural sector including the newly resettled areas.

Brazilian assisted farm inputs including tractors made a significant

impact to the resuscitation of the agricultural sector.
Rank 7: North America region (USA, Canada, etc)

Under ZIDERA Zimbabwe has suffered the

worst economic evil.

No early change of policy expected from this

region.

The Immediate
Geographical
Region.
Rank 8: West Africa (ECOWAS)

The Herald, 20 June 2012, carried reportage where Mr Nuhu, Nigeria’s

envoy to Zimbabwe said that “It is our wish to see all African countries
coming to work together. In West Africa we have already started doing
that and regional integration is absolutely nec­essary.”
He proposed a direct flight linking Harare and Abuja to facilitate social
and economic integration.

Ghana’s Ambassador Musaka to Zimbabwe has signalled its eagerness

to strengthen bi-lateral trade with Ghana through the establishment of
sister-city relations between Kumasi and Bulawayo.
Rank 9: Australia…..
Serve for diaspora remittance, there is not of economic note
necessitating a higher ranking.

Howard’ administration imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in September 2002.

Sanctions include travel restrictions to government officials and other

key business men, arms embargo and financial support arrests.
 CONCLUSION

Zimbabwe’s deployment of diplomatic missions manifests it

rational choice more driven by the state security.

Out of 16 SADC countries, Zimbabwe has 9 full-fledged

ambassadorial missions whereas in 15 East Asian countries,
the country has 6 full-fledged missions.
 CONCLUSION cont’d

The pursuit of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy on various countries is

based on the concentric application approach.
For Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy to be successful it must be grounded
on safeguarding it’s the nation’s territorial integrity and developing
and maintaining a conducive international economic environment.
The regional rankings discussed amplify the dynamism of foreign
policy and dictates necessary for the survival of the state.
In the period under discussion, realism theory was the determinant to
Zimbabwe’s foreign policy rational choice.

Notably, from our discussion, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy

priorities revolves around issues of treaties and alliances, trade,
defence of sovereignty, aid (FDI and military capability
development), SADC integration and subservience to the UN.
Thank You
for
Listening
 DISCUSSION, Q & A Session

Concentric circle Foreign Policy application

approach:‘Transactional Economic Diplomacy’
Discussion & Clarification
30
Immediate Geographic
Region

Regional Level

SADC shares a common view that in conditions of peace

and stability, value addition and beneficiation of its
abundant natural resources is the only way the respective
member states can successfully industrialise their
economies

Zimbabwe is an active member of the SADC organ on

Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
 The African Continent

The African continent remains central to our foreign policy

engagements

We support the implementation of Agenda 2063

We are also cognizant of the need to streamline our

national policies to the continental blue print
 The African Continent

Zimbabwe continues to contribute immensely towards

promoting peace and security on the continent through
material assistance and seconding personnel to AU and UN
peacekeeping missions
 The Look East Policy

Objectives of the
Look East Policy

To mitigate the impact of sanctions

To buttress the Government Land Reform Programme

and empowerment programmes

To position Zimbabwe in a rapidly changing global

economic architecture characterized by the emergence of
Asian countries as major international players and
growing markets
 The Look East Policy

Objectives of the
Look East Policy

To diversify trade and other economic links away from the

traditional markets in the West

To elevate trade and economic relations with the Asian

countries to the same level as the political and diplomatic
levels
Benefits from the Look
East Policy

At the time the rest of the world was shunning our

country, China filled the void moving in with technical
cooperation and investments

Major projects such as Kariba South expansion project,

Victoria Falls Airport construction project and Hwange
Power Expansion project came on line through
cooperation with Chinese
Relations with the
BRICS countries

Zimbabwe has re-positioned itself in a rapidly changing

global economic architecture characterised by the
emergence of major political and economic players and
alliances as as the BRICS

The BRICS provide markets for our goods as well as

sources of development finance
 RE-ENGAGEMENT WITH THE 1

WESTERN COUNTRIES
The context within which re-engagement is sought is a complex
interplay of related manifestation of politics, economic
exchanges as well as the movement of people among nations

Zimbabwe has long faced and continues to face challenges in its

relations with some western countries

The inauguration of HE Cde ED Mnangagwa on 24 November

2017 dynamised the country’s quest to normalise these relations
 The Broader
International Level
The United Nations
At the multilateral level, Zimbabwe is an active member of
the UN

Zimbabwe supports the principles and objectives of the

UN

The implementation of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Policy at the

multilateral for a is guided by forging solidarity and
cohesion with developing countries
 The Broader
International Level
Reform of the UN in
General

As a country we consider the reform of the UN as urgent

and imperative

It is important that the reform strengthens its central role

in promoting multilateralism and tackling current and
future global challenges

We want a UN that fights for justice and equality among

peoples and nations the world over
 The Broader
International Level
Reform of the UN
Security Council

Zimbabwe is a firm and consistent advocate for Africa’s

call for the reform of the Security Council in line with the
Ezulwini consensus

Zimbabwe in principle is against the use of the veto

Zimbabwe also calls for the democratization of decision

making in other multilateral institutions such as the
Bretton Woods
 GLOBAL CHALLENGES

High poverty levels, vicious cycles of aggression, wars, conflicts,

terrorism pose challenges to efforts towards the maintenance of
global peace and security

Threats to and violations of the sovereignty of poor and weak

nations by a few privileged powers continue unchecked

Zimbabwe has always been and continues to be a firm believer

in multilateral as opposed to the unilateral approach towards
the resolution of various challenges that confront the
international community
 GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Climate change is a security threat to our countries which are

experiencing more drought than before

Zimbabwe supports the 2030 Global Development Agenda

encapsulated in the Sustainable Development Goals
Rank 1: Southern Africa ‘SADC’
Rank 2: South Asia
Rank 3: Eastern Europe
Rank 4: Western Europe
Rank 5: South West Asia
Rank 6: South America
Rank 7: North America
Rank 8: West Africa
Rank 9: Australia 44