Why Look East? Zimbabwean Foreign Policy and China

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Why Look East? Zimbabwean Foreign Policy and China
Author:	Youde, Jeremy
Year:	2007
Periodical:	Africa Today
Volume:	53
Issue:	3
Pages:	3-19
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Zimbabwe China
Subjects:	foreign policy international relations Politics and Government Economics and Trade
External link:	http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/africa_today/v053/53.3youde.pdf
Abstract:	As part of its 'Look East' foreign policy strategy, Zimbabwe has sought to strengthen its ties with China - a move that has alarmed many Western States. While not necessarily denying the pragmatism behind such a strategy seen through the lenses of race, nationalism and self-determination, the author examines how this policy represents an attempt by the Zimbabwean government and its leader, Robert Mugabe, to redirect the public imagination toward a different identity at the domestic and international levels. The government seeks to draw on its image as a freedom fighter and liberator to shore up its domestic legitimacy, while simultaneously reasserting its role as an important international actor. The rhetorical strategy used by Mugabe and his government has had material benefits, but its success in redefining Zimbabwe's identity has been decidedly mixed. The vast majority of Zimbabweans have negative feelings about the government's economic reforms and there is growing domestic concern that the flood of Chinese goods into Zimbabwe threatens job security and industry. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]