Thursday, March 5, 2015

Political Instability in Zimbabwe

The Council on Foreign Relations published in March 2015 an analysis titled "Political Instability in Zimbabwe" by George F. Ward, Institute for Defense Analyses. 

The author notes that Zimbabwe's 91-year old president, Robert Mugabe, has no clear succession plan, and considerable uncertainty exists whether a stable succession will take place.  Zimbabwe's economy remains weak and vulnerable to potential shocks that might precipitate political instability as well.  The author urges the US to position itself to take advantage of any changing situation by working with others, especially South Africa and countries in southern Africa, to limit the risk of civil violence and lay the groundwork for a better future.