In the first section, I will discuss Michael Lund’s vision of an emerging ‘norm of prevention’ in the context of the unfolding crisis in Zimbabwe. I will start by describing the emergence of a norm of prevention in the international community. Thereafter I will introduce the different types of prevention measures as well as the problems of implementation. In the second section, the crisis in Zimbabwe will be described. The history leading up to the present situation will be summarized briefly, the parties involved in the crisis will be introduced and the root causes of the conflict analyzed.
In the last part, I will speculate on the reasons why finding a norm of prevention in the case of Zimbabwe is difficult or even not possible.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Conflict Prevention
An Emerging Norm of Prevention
Problems Concerning Effective Prevention
Classification of Measures
Structural Prevention
Operational Prevention
Differences in the Implementation of Preventive Measures
The ‘Zimbabwe Case’
Brief Historical Overview
Economic Crisis
Internal Actors
External Actors
Root Causes
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines Michael Lund's concept of an "emerging norm of prevention" through the lens of the escalating crisis in Zimbabwe. It investigates how international mechanisms for conflict prevention have evolved and evaluates why applying these strategies to the specific socio-political context of Zimbabwe remains exceptionally difficult.
- The theoretical evolution of the "norm of prevention" in international relations.
- Categorization and implementation challenges of conflict prevention measures.
- Historical and economic factors contributing to the crisis in Zimbabwe.
- Roles and conflicting agendas of internal and external actors.
- The tension between long-term structural development and short-term operational interventions.
Excerpt from the Book
Differences in the Implementation of Preventive Measures
As implied in the terminology, there are basic differences between structural and operational conflict prevention. Structural measures are generally chosen to address the root causes of a conflict or crisis while operational measures are chosen for short-term conflict reduction. Both types of measures are important as Schnabel/Thakur describe it: ‘The roots for potential conflict need to be eradicated, while their offshoots need to be cut’ (Schnabel/Thakur 2001: 251).
This need to balance the long- and the short-term highlights an inherent tension between different types of preventative measures. The lack of consensus in the approach to specific crises is often the result of differences in emphasis when it comes to the application of these measures, particularly on the African continent. Generally speaking the Western World (US and Western Europe) tends to provide operational prevention in form of sanctions or political threat whereas African countries places emphasis on long-term development, either through organizations such as SADC or plans such as NEPAD (Evans 2002: 5). Although the richest countries of the North agreed to spend at least 0.7% of their GDP on structural measures, most of them are lagging far behind this figure; in fact the average percentage spent by western countries is 0.27% (Das Parlament 2000).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on Michael Lund’s theories applied to the Zimbabwean crisis.
Conflict Prevention: Discusses the paradigm shift toward a culture of prevention and explores the challenges in categorizing and implementing preventive measures.
The ‘Zimbabwe Case’: Analyzes the history, economic decline, and the interplay between various internal and external stakeholders driving the conflict.
Conclusion: Summarizes the difficulties in applying universal norms of prevention to Zimbabwe and suggests potential diplomatic paths forward.
Keywords
Conflict Prevention, Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, ZANU-PF, Structural Prevention, Operational Prevention, International Relations, Land Reform, Peace Operations, Conflict Entrepreneurs, Humanitarian Aid, Sanctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the applicability of an "emerging norm of prevention" in international politics, specifically testing this concept against the complex and evolving crisis in Zimbabwe.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The study covers the theoretical transition from reactive to preventive international security policy, the categorization of preventive measures, and a detailed case study of Zimbabwean political and economic instability.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to understand why established norms of conflict prevention face such significant hurdles when applied to the specific political landscape of Zimbabwe.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author employs a qualitative case study method, synthesizing academic literature on international security with empirical analysis of historical events and current political actors in Zimbabwe.
What does the main body address?
It covers the definitions of structural and operational prevention, the historical trajectory of Zimbabwe since British colonial rule, the roles of internal/external actors, and the root causes of the present conflict.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include Conflict Prevention, Zimbabwe, Structural Prevention, Operational Prevention, and Conflict Entrepreneurs.
How does the author characterize the regime of Robert Mugabe?
The author describes the regime as a hybrid system that relies on informal groups like "war veterans" to destabilize the country while maintaining a facade of legality, rather than relying solely on traditional state repressive forces.
Why does the author argue that external international intervention has largely failed in Zimbabwe?
The author highlights a lack of international consensus, noting that key regional players and the UN are divided on whether a violent crisis even exists, which prevents the formulation of a unified preventive strategy.
- Quote paper
- Enno Dreier (Author), 2003, Discussion of Lunds vision of an emerging norm of prevention in the context of the unfolding crisis in Zimbabwe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/21455
