Guerrilla Veterans in Post-war Zimbabwe: Symbolic and Violent Politics, 1980-1987

by Norma J. Kriger

Overview

This critical examination of post-war of independence peace settlement and veterans' programs is the first extended study of the complicit relationship between the ruling party and the veterans. It shows continuities in the relationship between President Mugabe's government and guerrilla veterans in the first seven years in contemporary Zimbabwe (1980-1987). As the recent election has demonstrated, Mugabe and the veterans continue to collaborate, using violence and liberation war rhetoric to maintain power through land invasions and political purges.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521027618
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/02/2006
Series:	African Studies , #105
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Norma Kriger worked for twelve years in the political science faculty at The John Hopkins University. Since then she has been an independent scholar.

Table of Contents

List of tables; Acknowledgements; Chronology (1889–1980); List of abbreviations; Map; 1. Introduction; 2. The peace settlement; 3. The assembly phase; 4. Military integration; 5. Employment programs for the demobilized; 6. Conclusion; Epilogue: the past in the present; Appendix: the ruling party's attempts to withdraw ex-combatants' special status and ex-combatants' responses, 1988–97; Notes; References; List of pseudonyms used in the text; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...an outstanding book..." Zibani Maundeni, University of Bostwana, Mobilization

"Kriger's in-depth analysis breaks new ground in research on postconflict solutions for divided societies as well as Zimbabwe's unique postindependence era, which seems unduly affected by internal influences developed during the nationalist struggle. The footnotes and bibliography are exceptionally useful. Highly recommended." Choice

"[Kriger's] examination of the construction of a new political order in Zimbabwe is fresh and provides a challenging way for social scientists to view peace-building and post-conflict societies." Journal of Military History

From the Publisher