Abstract
The doctoral thesis provides a comprehensive, systematic analysis of key issues in Zimbabwe’s foreign policy as they manifest in the United Nations General Assembly highlighting trends in Zimbabwe's voting behaviour, over a period of 16 years from 2003 to 2019. The main research questions were: How is Zimbabwe positioning itself in the international system through its voting conduct in the UNGA? How has Zimbabwe voted in the UNGA from 2003 to 2019? What is the rationale for Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour? The study employed a qualitative research methodology and a case study design. Documentary review was used to analyse records of resolutions in the UNGA from 2003-2019. Data were analysed using thematic, content and discourse analysis. Graham's analytical framework was used to examine Zimbabwe's voting behaviour in the UNGA. This study was the first ever to test Graham's model using Zimbabwe as a case study. The central themes driving Zimbabwe’s foreign policy were identified as sovereignty, independence and self – determination, the Look East Policy (LEP), disarmament, creation of a just and equitable international order, human rights, pan- Africanism and peace keeping.
Findings pertaining to the study were that Graham’s analytical framework was useful in the analysis of Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour in the UNGA. It was observed that the political transition from the first to the second republic in 2017, did not affect Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour at the UNGA. There was a change in rhetoric initially, but it was not accompanied by a shift in Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour in the UNGA. Zimbabwe voted independently in the UNGA from 2003 to 2019 even to the detriment of her own economic interests. It consistently, through its voting behaviour in the UNGA, showed that even though it was a small state, it could not be cajoled into voting in alignment with the West. The research denoted that the implementation of LEP by Zimbabwe in 2003 did not alter Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour significantly. Zimbabwe tended to vote mostly in alignment with North Korea, Russia, Belarus, Cuba and Syria, countries perceived by the US as ‘rogue’ states. Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour was motivated by the need to maintain alliances particularly, with China and Russia, obtaining IMF loans and ending sanctions in its own country by supporting resolutions to terminate them in other countries.
This study concludes that Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour in the UNGA is to a greater extent consistent with its foreign policy. Zimbabwe votes independently from any influence from blocs. Ideology is an important factor which motivates Zimbabwe’s voting behaviour as it tends to support to a greater extent, resolutions on sovereignty, independence and self – determination which other blocs like the Western and European and Other Groups do not largely support. The study recommends that Zimbabwe must analyse the voting behaviour of countries and blocs with cordial relations with most investors to learn best practices and promote its economic interests. It must vote in complete alignment with its foreign policy principles regardless of alliances. It must desist from voting in alignment with perceived rogue states. It must focus its efforts on improving its self-image from that of a rogue or pariah state. A positive image is likely to attract investors and set the country on a development trajectory in line with its re-engagement thrust.