An Analysis of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic diplomatic offensive towards Western countries from 2000 to 2023.

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative method approach to analyse the socio-economic challenges of Zimbabwe which influenced her to engage the diplomatic offensive towards Western countries. Data was collected through interviews and focus group discussions. The study was guided by the soft power theory as the guiding theoretical framework of this study. The analysis postulated some factors like poverty, natural environment, unemployment, and poor health services as causes which drove Zimbabwe to engage in the diplomatic offensive. More so many strategies were put in place to achieve the diplomatic offensive. The strategies which were put in place are building relationships, making alliances, look east policy, negotiations, silencing the internal forces, advocacy approach, flexibility, and effective communication these proved to be effective strategies for a successful diplomatic offensive. More so the response of the Western countries was also noted like the regime change principle and sanctions and this was noted that these responses played a pivotal role to the socio- economic challenges Zimbabwe faced up to date. However, success of the diplomatic offensive was noted. The diplomatic offensive brought benefits like the Chinese aid, loan contracts, Chinese Investments, barter trade, military affairs, Sino-Zimbabwe relationship, and Chinese investments these successes helped, and they are still helping Zimbabwe to curb the socio-economic challenges affecting the country. The study addressed the challenges which hinder or still hindering the diplomatic offensive were also articulated like national interest and sovereignty, political uncertainty and leadership transition and the imposed sanctions these factors are the ones pointed as a stumbling block to the success of the diplomatic offensive