This chapter investigates the relationship between Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches and politics. ... more This chapter investigates the relationship between Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches and politics. Pentecostal churches play a major role in the socio-economic and political development of the country. While it is generally believed that a dichotomy exists between politics and religion, the situation on the ground shows that there is no separation. This study examines the history of the relationship between Pentecostal churches and politics before and after the establishment of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), a peace agreement brokered between the main contesting political parties in Zimbabwe following the contested elections of 2008. The major questions this study answers are, is the political environment restricting or giving space to Pentecostal churches? Should there be a separation between religion and politics? Pentecostal churches have been prominent in the signing of the anti-sanctions petition, opening their pulpits for campaigns by political leaders and encouraging the...
The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreadi... more The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreading democracy has been perpetual and sometimes violent. This book tackles the question of the methodology preferred by the USA in its attempt to democratize the Middle East. However, this book assesses the sustainability of forced democracy in the context of the war on Iraq. The central argument of the book is that forced democracy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq is unsustainable due to a plethora of factors including the history, culture and religion of Iraq. The analysis in this book adds more steam to the debate on the relevance of liberal democratic ideals in a multi-cultured world. More importantly, the book will be useful to students of international relations with keen interest in the Middle East political dynamics. Perhaps the book is also necessary for anyone aspiring to understand the USA security policy in the post-9/11 dispensation.
Zimbabwe, formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, gained its independence from British colonial rule... more Zimbabwe, formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, gained its independence from British colonial rule on 18 April 1980. The key principles guiding Zimbabwe's foreign policy after independence were national sovereignty and equality among nations, attainment of a socialist, egalitarian and democratic society, rights of all peoples to self-determination and independence, non-racialism at home and abroad, positive nonalignment and peaceful coexistence among nations. This guiding framework focused on Pan –Africanism, reordering of the international economic order, exchange of ideas, culture and trade. The fall of the Berlin wall and the subsequent conclusion of the cold war in 1989 ushered in a unipolar order and culminated in the warming of Zimbabwe's relations with the global North. Conversely, the failure of neo-liberalism, Britain's abrogation of its responsibility for compensation of resettled white farmers, implementation of the chaotic and contested Fast Track Land Reform Programme, economic demise, disputed elections and growing authoritarianism culminated in the escalation of acrimonious relations between the Southern African country and the West. The shifting global balance of power is creating new centres of power and transforming the international order, particularly, the rise of China, India and Brazil and the resurgence of Russia. It is thus, the aim of this paper to analyse the effectiveness of the adoption of the Look East Policy by Zimbabwe amidst shifting global power dynamics. The guiding questions include the following; to what extent has the global financial crisis eroded the West's hegemonic dominance in international economic relations? What are the implications of Zimbabwe's Indigenous Economic Empowerment Policies on its East – West relations? What are the prospects of normalisation of relations between Zimbabwe and the West? Is Zim – West Rapprochement a viable foreign policy option? What should be the guiding framework in the formulation and implementation of Zimbabwe's foreign policy in a transforming international system? Triangulated qualitative methods including inter alia, documentary review and key informant interviews were utilised. Data were analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. It is imperative to note that both the internal and external environment have a plausible impact on Zimbabwe's foreign policy choices. Zimbabwe
India – Africa trade relations date back to the pre-colonial period during the mid first century... more India – Africa trade relations date back to the pre-colonial period during the mid first century when ancient India began to trade with the Kingdom of Aksum. Relations with Africa were solidified during the cold war period with India being instrumental, to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In the post-cold war period, India – Africa relations have been governed by a mutual interest in trade and investment echoed in the rhetoric of South – South co-operation. India has amid intense competition from the BRICS, particularly, China, and the West, registered its presence in mineral and oil rich Africa. In 2002-2003, India launched The Focus Africa Programme to enhance its trade with Africa with more than 25 African countries, including Zimbabwe. Trade relations between India and Zimbabwe commenced in the 14th Century during the Munhumutapa Kingdom when Indian merchants established links with the country, trading in textiles and minerals. In the 21st century, Zimbabwe and India have continued to trade in minerals, textiles and pharmaceuticals. This paper, therefore, seeks to analyse the nature and extent of India – Zimbabwe trade relations. It assumes that the prospects for growth and partnership are high albeit on an asymmetrical basis. A qualitative research methodology informed the basis of this research. Documentary review, key informant and in-depth interviews were instrumental in data collection and synthesis. This paper concludes that the presence of minerals and a vast market for Indian products in Southern Africa will ensure that the partnership between Zimbabwe and India is substantiated by growth.
Since the end of the Cold War and the emergence of rapid globalisation, China’s economic role has... more Since the end of the Cold War and the emergence of rapid globalisation, China’s economic role has gained remarkable prominence in a system once dominated by capital from developed countries. In this way, China’s contemporary visible presence in the international political economy has attracted significant attention in both academic and media discourse across the globe but more importantly in the developing geo-political terrains such as Africa. The discussion of China-Africa’s relationship at policy levels is therefore compelling against such a background. The common concern has been whether China’s Africa policy marks any significant change in Africa’s international political economy. Trade between the two partners has grown and China is accorded access to supplies of natural resources such as oil, copper and diamonds among other vital resources. The article seeks to examine the most pertinent question in relation to China-Africa economic relationship: to what extent is Chinese involvement in Africa any different from the hallmarks of neo-colonialism? The argument of the article is divided as follows. It begins with a dissection of the origins of the relations; it then explores the complex relationship through the lenses of the competing views on China’s policy on Africa; a position on whether China exudes the qualities of a neo-colonial power is then taken. The article concludes with proffered recommendations.
Women participation in politics has dominated agendas at various domestic, regional and internati... more Women participation in politics has dominated agendas at various domestic, regional and international fora. Patriarchal attitudes entrenched in traditional African culture have perpetuated men's dominance over women and signalled the general conception of politics as masculine. Whilst Zimbabwe has ratified international conventions on gender, their domestication has remained rudimentary with women confined to peripheral positions, a situation which perpetuates their continued subordination in politics. The recognition of the role of gender in politics in the Global Political Agreement (GPA), albeit nominal, seemed to usher in a new dispensation in the history of the country's politics, yet numerous inhibiting factors to women's participation persist. This research, therefore, sought to identify and analyse the effects of the GPA on women's participation in politics, hypothesising that it has decreased (rather than increased) since the arrival of the GPA. Data were collected through documentary review as well as key informant and in-depth interviews. The research established that women's participation in the constitution making process, the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) and the national healing process was tangential. The article therefore recommends that the GPA and other domestic legislation be reviewed to ensure gender parity in politics.
This paper analyses the relationship between democracy and women participation in politics. Democ... more This paper analyses the relationship between democracy and women participation in politics. Democracy is supposed to translate into equal power relations between men and women. Evidence on the ground shows little or no connection between democracy and levels of women political participation as those countries regarded as highly democratic have low women representation compared to those regarded as less democratic. This paper attempts to answer the following major questions: is there a relationship between a country’s democratic level and the number of women in political positions? At political party levels, does it follow that democratic parties have more women than parties regarded as authoritarian? Are countries wholly committed to increasing women participation in politics to enhance democracy? Or is the signing of agreements aimed at increasing women in political decisions simply rhetoric? Is there a relationship between the wealth a country has and the number of women in political positions? Documentary evidence, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews highlighted that there is no positive rapport between democracy and women involvement in politics as democratic countries and parties have less women than autocracies. Political commitment to increased women participation by all countries is the solution to women involvement in politics. Gender should be preserved as an unequivocal goal of democracy.
The doctrine of separation of powers is at the centre of modern democratic principles of governan... more The doctrine of separation of powers is at the centre of modern democratic principles of governance. The emergence of the doctrine can be located within
the Western political tradition. The doctrine focuses on nurturing the values of good governance by putting in place mechanisms that guard against the abuse of power by key institutions of the state. To achieve this, the doctrine
accentuates the separation of government functions into the legislature, executive and judiciary arms so that each exercises specific functions within the constitutional limits. This study sought to analyse the applicability of the
doctrine in Zimbabwe from the 1979 to the 2013 constitution. Evidence gathered through archival methods was used. The research established that under the 1979 constitution, the doctrine was severely undermined by the
concentration of power in the executive relative to other branches. It is further established that although the 2013 constitution empowered the legislature to
check the exercise of executive powers, the latter still retains substantial powers. To this extent, it is concluded that the doctrine is applicable to the Zimbabwean context only to a limited extent.
African Women Writing Resistance An Anthology of Contemporary Voices, 2010
She stood tall and mighty, high and proud. The clouds had gathered and a cool refreshing wind was... more She stood tall and mighty, high and proud. The clouds had gathered and a cool refreshing wind washed over her. She shivered slightly but did not change her position. She was standing on one of the majestic Nyanga mountains. She looked down from the mountain top. The distance was enough to make anyone Tamara wore the traditional garb well known...
The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreadi... more The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreading democracy has been perpetual and sometimes violent. This book tackles the question of the methodology preferred by the USA in its attempt to democratize the Middle East. However, this book assesses the sustainability of forced democracy in the context of the war on Iraq. The central argument of the book is that forced democracy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq is unsustainable due to a plethora of factors including the history, culture and religion of Iraq. The analysis in this book adds more steam to the debate on the relevance of liberal democratic ideals in a multi-cultured world. More importantly, the book will be useful to students of international relations with keen interest in the Middle East political dynamics. Perhaps the book is also necessary for anyone aspiring to understand the USA security policy in the post-9/11 dispensation.
For a long period, the Middle East has been an arena of intense inter-state rivalry and conflict ... more For a long period, the Middle East has been an arena of intense inter-state rivalry and conflict as evidenced by the rampant instability and insecurity within the geopolitical landscape. The conditions in the region have been exacerbated by the end of the Cold War that left the US as the sole dominating force both economically and politically. This book identifies the US as the predominant power in the politics of the region and explores how its interest shapes policy towards selected key states in the region. Fundamentally, the nexus between national interest and conflict is examined in the context of the region’s political dynamics. The central argument is that the interests of the US in the region are wide-ranging but predominantly strategic which breeds unrest and conflict. Paradoxically, the role of the UN in the region has been subdued despite the existence of a threat to international peace and security. Conceptually building the argument from a realist perspective, the analysis in this book sheds more light on the generic US policy using a selection of case studies.This should be useful for students of international relations and foreign policy professionals.
These lyrical stories sweep us along in quest of the secrets entwined in the relationship between... more These lyrical stories sweep us along in quest of the secrets entwined in the relationship between mother and daughter, man and woman; and in search of the mysteries surrounding passion and betrayal. They tell about the anxieties, worries and hopes of a whole generation of young Zimbabweans.
Nyemba cuts with a double-edged sword; she uses the present to illuminate the past and she looks through the lens of the past to reflect on the present. Her writing shows a keen appreciation of the minute detail and its relevance for the human psyche.
This chapter investigates the relationship between Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches and politics. ... more This chapter investigates the relationship between Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches and politics. Pentecostal churches play a major role in the socio-economic and political development of the country. While it is generally believed that a dichotomy exists between politics and religion, the situation on the ground shows that there is no separation. This study examines the history of the relationship between Pentecostal churches and politics before and after the establishment of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), a peace agreement brokered between the main contesting political parties in Zimbabwe following the contested elections of 2008. The major questions this study answers are, is the political environment restricting or giving space to Pentecostal churches? Should there be a separation between religion and politics? Pentecostal churches have been prominent in the signing of the anti-sanctions petition, opening their pulpits for campaigns by political leaders and encouraging the...
The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreadi... more The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreading democracy has been perpetual and sometimes violent. This book tackles the question of the methodology preferred by the USA in its attempt to democratize the Middle East. However, this book assesses the sustainability of forced democracy in the context of the war on Iraq. The central argument of the book is that forced democracy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq is unsustainable due to a plethora of factors including the history, culture and religion of Iraq. The analysis in this book adds more steam to the debate on the relevance of liberal democratic ideals in a multi-cultured world. More importantly, the book will be useful to students of international relations with keen interest in the Middle East political dynamics. Perhaps the book is also necessary for anyone aspiring to understand the USA security policy in the post-9/11 dispensation.
Zimbabwe, formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, gained its independence from British colonial rule... more Zimbabwe, formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, gained its independence from British colonial rule on 18 April 1980. The key principles guiding Zimbabwe's foreign policy after independence were national sovereignty and equality among nations, attainment of a socialist, egalitarian and democratic society, rights of all peoples to self-determination and independence, non-racialism at home and abroad, positive nonalignment and peaceful coexistence among nations. This guiding framework focused on Pan –Africanism, reordering of the international economic order, exchange of ideas, culture and trade. The fall of the Berlin wall and the subsequent conclusion of the cold war in 1989 ushered in a unipolar order and culminated in the warming of Zimbabwe's relations with the global North. Conversely, the failure of neo-liberalism, Britain's abrogation of its responsibility for compensation of resettled white farmers, implementation of the chaotic and contested Fast Track Land Reform Programme, economic demise, disputed elections and growing authoritarianism culminated in the escalation of acrimonious relations between the Southern African country and the West. The shifting global balance of power is creating new centres of power and transforming the international order, particularly, the rise of China, India and Brazil and the resurgence of Russia. It is thus, the aim of this paper to analyse the effectiveness of the adoption of the Look East Policy by Zimbabwe amidst shifting global power dynamics. The guiding questions include the following; to what extent has the global financial crisis eroded the West's hegemonic dominance in international economic relations? What are the implications of Zimbabwe's Indigenous Economic Empowerment Policies on its East – West relations? What are the prospects of normalisation of relations between Zimbabwe and the West? Is Zim – West Rapprochement a viable foreign policy option? What should be the guiding framework in the formulation and implementation of Zimbabwe's foreign policy in a transforming international system? Triangulated qualitative methods including inter alia, documentary review and key informant interviews were utilised. Data were analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. It is imperative to note that both the internal and external environment have a plausible impact on Zimbabwe's foreign policy choices. Zimbabwe
India – Africa trade relations date back to the pre-colonial period during the mid first century... more India – Africa trade relations date back to the pre-colonial period during the mid first century when ancient India began to trade with the Kingdom of Aksum. Relations with Africa were solidified during the cold war period with India being instrumental, to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In the post-cold war period, India – Africa relations have been governed by a mutual interest in trade and investment echoed in the rhetoric of South – South co-operation. India has amid intense competition from the BRICS, particularly, China, and the West, registered its presence in mineral and oil rich Africa. In 2002-2003, India launched The Focus Africa Programme to enhance its trade with Africa with more than 25 African countries, including Zimbabwe. Trade relations between India and Zimbabwe commenced in the 14th Century during the Munhumutapa Kingdom when Indian merchants established links with the country, trading in textiles and minerals. In the 21st century, Zimbabwe and India have continued to trade in minerals, textiles and pharmaceuticals. This paper, therefore, seeks to analyse the nature and extent of India – Zimbabwe trade relations. It assumes that the prospects for growth and partnership are high albeit on an asymmetrical basis. A qualitative research methodology informed the basis of this research. Documentary review, key informant and in-depth interviews were instrumental in data collection and synthesis. This paper concludes that the presence of minerals and a vast market for Indian products in Southern Africa will ensure that the partnership between Zimbabwe and India is substantiated by growth.
Since the end of the Cold War and the emergence of rapid globalisation, China’s economic role has... more Since the end of the Cold War and the emergence of rapid globalisation, China’s economic role has gained remarkable prominence in a system once dominated by capital from developed countries. In this way, China’s contemporary visible presence in the international political economy has attracted significant attention in both academic and media discourse across the globe but more importantly in the developing geo-political terrains such as Africa. The discussion of China-Africa’s relationship at policy levels is therefore compelling against such a background. The common concern has been whether China’s Africa policy marks any significant change in Africa’s international political economy. Trade between the two partners has grown and China is accorded access to supplies of natural resources such as oil, copper and diamonds among other vital resources. The article seeks to examine the most pertinent question in relation to China-Africa economic relationship: to what extent is Chinese involvement in Africa any different from the hallmarks of neo-colonialism? The argument of the article is divided as follows. It begins with a dissection of the origins of the relations; it then explores the complex relationship through the lenses of the competing views on China’s policy on Africa; a position on whether China exudes the qualities of a neo-colonial power is then taken. The article concludes with proffered recommendations.
Women participation in politics has dominated agendas at various domestic, regional and internati... more Women participation in politics has dominated agendas at various domestic, regional and international fora. Patriarchal attitudes entrenched in traditional African culture have perpetuated men's dominance over women and signalled the general conception of politics as masculine. Whilst Zimbabwe has ratified international conventions on gender, their domestication has remained rudimentary with women confined to peripheral positions, a situation which perpetuates their continued subordination in politics. The recognition of the role of gender in politics in the Global Political Agreement (GPA), albeit nominal, seemed to usher in a new dispensation in the history of the country's politics, yet numerous inhibiting factors to women's participation persist. This research, therefore, sought to identify and analyse the effects of the GPA on women's participation in politics, hypothesising that it has decreased (rather than increased) since the arrival of the GPA. Data were collected through documentary review as well as key informant and in-depth interviews. The research established that women's participation in the constitution making process, the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) and the national healing process was tangential. The article therefore recommends that the GPA and other domestic legislation be reviewed to ensure gender parity in politics.
This paper analyses the relationship between democracy and women participation in politics. Democ... more This paper analyses the relationship between democracy and women participation in politics. Democracy is supposed to translate into equal power relations between men and women. Evidence on the ground shows little or no connection between democracy and levels of women political participation as those countries regarded as highly democratic have low women representation compared to those regarded as less democratic. This paper attempts to answer the following major questions: is there a relationship between a country’s democratic level and the number of women in political positions? At political party levels, does it follow that democratic parties have more women than parties regarded as authoritarian? Are countries wholly committed to increasing women participation in politics to enhance democracy? Or is the signing of agreements aimed at increasing women in political decisions simply rhetoric? Is there a relationship between the wealth a country has and the number of women in political positions? Documentary evidence, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews highlighted that there is no positive rapport between democracy and women involvement in politics as democratic countries and parties have less women than autocracies. Political commitment to increased women participation by all countries is the solution to women involvement in politics. Gender should be preserved as an unequivocal goal of democracy.
The doctrine of separation of powers is at the centre of modern democratic principles of governan... more The doctrine of separation of powers is at the centre of modern democratic principles of governance. The emergence of the doctrine can be located within
the Western political tradition. The doctrine focuses on nurturing the values of good governance by putting in place mechanisms that guard against the abuse of power by key institutions of the state. To achieve this, the doctrine
accentuates the separation of government functions into the legislature, executive and judiciary arms so that each exercises specific functions within the constitutional limits. This study sought to analyse the applicability of the
doctrine in Zimbabwe from the 1979 to the 2013 constitution. Evidence gathered through archival methods was used. The research established that under the 1979 constitution, the doctrine was severely undermined by the
concentration of power in the executive relative to other branches. It is further established that although the 2013 constitution empowered the legislature to
check the exercise of executive powers, the latter still retains substantial powers. To this extent, it is concluded that the doctrine is applicable to the Zimbabwean context only to a limited extent.
African Women Writing Resistance An Anthology of Contemporary Voices, 2010
She stood tall and mighty, high and proud. The clouds had gathered and a cool refreshing wind was... more She stood tall and mighty, high and proud. The clouds had gathered and a cool refreshing wind washed over her. She shivered slightly but did not change her position. She was standing on one of the majestic Nyanga mountains. She looked down from the mountain top. The distance was enough to make anyone Tamara wore the traditional garb well known...
The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreadi... more The debate on the meaning, applicability and sustainability as well as the methodology of spreading democracy has been perpetual and sometimes violent. This book tackles the question of the methodology preferred by the USA in its attempt to democratize the Middle East. However, this book assesses the sustainability of forced democracy in the context of the war on Iraq. The central argument of the book is that forced democracy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq is unsustainable due to a plethora of factors including the history, culture and religion of Iraq. The analysis in this book adds more steam to the debate on the relevance of liberal democratic ideals in a multi-cultured world. More importantly, the book will be useful to students of international relations with keen interest in the Middle East political dynamics. Perhaps the book is also necessary for anyone aspiring to understand the USA security policy in the post-9/11 dispensation.
For a long period, the Middle East has been an arena of intense inter-state rivalry and conflict ... more For a long period, the Middle East has been an arena of intense inter-state rivalry and conflict as evidenced by the rampant instability and insecurity within the geopolitical landscape. The conditions in the region have been exacerbated by the end of the Cold War that left the US as the sole dominating force both economically and politically. This book identifies the US as the predominant power in the politics of the region and explores how its interest shapes policy towards selected key states in the region. Fundamentally, the nexus between national interest and conflict is examined in the context of the region’s political dynamics. The central argument is that the interests of the US in the region are wide-ranging but predominantly strategic which breeds unrest and conflict. Paradoxically, the role of the UN in the region has been subdued despite the existence of a threat to international peace and security. Conceptually building the argument from a realist perspective, the analysis in this book sheds more light on the generic US policy using a selection of case studies.This should be useful for students of international relations and foreign policy professionals.
These lyrical stories sweep us along in quest of the secrets entwined in the relationship between... more These lyrical stories sweep us along in quest of the secrets entwined in the relationship between mother and daughter, man and woman; and in search of the mysteries surrounding passion and betrayal. They tell about the anxieties, worries and hopes of a whole generation of young Zimbabweans.
Nyemba cuts with a double-edged sword; she uses the present to illuminate the past and she looks through the lens of the past to reflect on the present. Her writing shows a keen appreciation of the minute detail and its relevance for the human psyche.
Uploads
Papers by Eve Nyemba
the Western political tradition. The doctrine focuses on nurturing the values of good governance by putting in place mechanisms that guard against the abuse of power by key institutions of the state. To achieve this, the doctrine
accentuates the separation of government functions into the legislature, executive and judiciary arms so that each exercises specific functions within the constitutional limits. This study sought to analyse the applicability of the
doctrine in Zimbabwe from the 1979 to the 2013 constitution. Evidence gathered through archival methods was used. The research established that under the 1979 constitution, the doctrine was severely undermined by the
concentration of power in the executive relative to other branches. It is further established that although the 2013 constitution empowered the legislature to
check the exercise of executive powers, the latter still retains substantial powers. To this extent, it is concluded that the doctrine is applicable to the Zimbabwean context only to a limited extent.
Books by Eve Nyemba
Nyemba cuts with a double-edged sword; she uses the present to illuminate the past and she looks through the lens of the past to reflect on the present. Her writing shows a keen appreciation of the minute detail and its relevance for the human psyche.
the Western political tradition. The doctrine focuses on nurturing the values of good governance by putting in place mechanisms that guard against the abuse of power by key institutions of the state. To achieve this, the doctrine
accentuates the separation of government functions into the legislature, executive and judiciary arms so that each exercises specific functions within the constitutional limits. This study sought to analyse the applicability of the
doctrine in Zimbabwe from the 1979 to the 2013 constitution. Evidence gathered through archival methods was used. The research established that under the 1979 constitution, the doctrine was severely undermined by the
concentration of power in the executive relative to other branches. It is further established that although the 2013 constitution empowered the legislature to
check the exercise of executive powers, the latter still retains substantial powers. To this extent, it is concluded that the doctrine is applicable to the Zimbabwean context only to a limited extent.
Nyemba cuts with a double-edged sword; she uses the present to illuminate the past and she looks through the lens of the past to reflect on the present. Her writing shows a keen appreciation of the minute detail and its relevance for the human psyche.