'You Cannot Eat Democracy' A study of civil society in Zimababwe from 2008-2013

Abstract

Throughout the last decade, the people of Zimbabwe have endured a prolonged political conflict, characterized by increased violations of civil, political and socio-economic rights committed by the state towards its citizens. In the aftermath of the escalated violence around the elections in 2008, a power-sharing agreement was reached, and democratic reforms and national reconciliation were said to be introduced. Civil society is often perceived as having an important role in democratization and peace building processes. Well-established theories within the field stipulate a positive relationship between a vibrant civil society and a successful democratization and peace building process. What remains unclear however is the way in which civil society is linked to these processes and what real prospects and challenges they face in positively contributing to peace and democracy. This thesis investigates civil society s potential as a democratizing force and peace builder in Zimbabwe. Moving beyond the assumption of civil society is an inherently democratic and peace building agent, the study argues that the civil society contribution in Zimbabwe is limited when seen in relation to the promises suggested by the theoretical assumptions. Without discrediting civil society s importance in certain areas, it points to factors internal to civil society, as well as external contextual factors that impede its abilities and capacities. Furthermore, the study aims at contributing to developing the theory by pointing out that civil society s abilities and capacities are dependent on its relation to the state and that its potential as a norm bearer is influenced to a large degree by the contextual political culture in which it operates.

Throughout the last decade, the people of Zimbabwe have endured a prolonged political conflict, characterized by increased violations of civil, political and socio-economic rights committed by the state towards its citizens. In the aftermath of the escalated violence around the elections in 2008, a power-sharing agreement was reached, and democratic reforms and national reconciliation were said to be introduced. Civil society is often perceived as having an important role in democratization and peace building processes. Well-established theories within the field stipulate a positive relationship between a vibrant civil society and a successful democratization and peace building process. What remains unclear however is the way in which civil society is linked to these processes and what real prospects and challenges they face in positively contributing to peace and democracy. This thesis investigates civil society s potential as a democratizing force and peace builder in Zimbabwe. Moving beyond the assumption of civil society is an inherently democratic and peace building agent, the study argues that the civil society contribution in Zimbabwe is limited when seen in relation to the promises suggested by the theoretical assumptions. Without discrediting civil society s importance in certain areas, it points to factors internal to civil society, as well as external contextual factors that impede its abilities and capacities. Furthermore, the study aims at contributing to developing the theory by pointing out that civil society s abilities and capacities are dependent on its relation to the state and that its potential as a norm bearer is influenced to a large degree by the contextual political culture in which it operates.