Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Robert Mugabe: a Tyrant's Quest for Legitimacy Clifford Chitupa Mashiri

Over the last 5 years international attention has focused on the shaky coalition government formed in Harare with the hope that the despotic rule of Robert Mugabe could possibly redeem itself through reforms that were agreed with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. But Mugabe?s hardline attitude has scuppered all those chances preferring instead to agitate for elections without key reforms, a move seen as a tyrant?s quest for legitimacy. From the ? Black Robespierre? of 33 years ago to modern day aged tyrant, Robert Mugabe has arguably surpassed the 15th century description of a tyrant by Girolamo Savanarola found in Niccolo Machiavelli?s The Prince. This book therefore gives an incisive critique of Robert Mugabe?s tyranny through the eyes of a fellow black Zimbabwean like him, unlike in the past, based on empirical, desk research and anecdotal evidence. Six distinct areas of his governance are critically analysed to draw practical lessons for his legacy. The discourse should be useful to social science scholars, professionals and students of African politics, or anyone else interested in developments in Zimbabwe concerning the chaotic land reform program and its rigged elections.