Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino, Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN international relations, states generally rely on two instruments to secure their interests and ensure their survival: war and diplomacy.
Throughout history, these have remained the principal tools through which nations pursue strategic objectives, defend their sovereignty and advance national interests. While some states resort to military force to achieve their goals, others choose dialogue, engagement and cooperation.
Recent global conflicts illustrate how war continues to be used as an extension of policy. Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine, military tensions involving the United States and Iran, and
Israel’s conflict in Lebanon reflect how powerful nations often use force when they believe their strategic interests are at stake.
War, however, is only one side of the equation.
The other is diplomacy, the art of building relationships, managing differences and aligning interests while safeguarding national values. It is this route that Zimbabwe has increasingly embraced in recent years.
For many years, Zimbabwe faced hostile narratives from some Western countries that sought to portray it as a “pariah” or “failed” state. Such labels were designed to isolate the country and diminish its standing within the international community.
This isolation was fuelled by perceptions that Zimbabwe had become increasingly radical and confrontational in its approach to international affairs. It was during this period that some foreign powers even explored interventionist options as they sought to influence developments in the country.
The episode demonstrated how major powers often pursue their interests through coercive means when diplomacy fails to produce outcomes favourable to them.
However, the advent of the Second Republic on November 24, 2017 marked a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s approach to international relations.
Recognising the need to reposition itself, Zimbabwe embarked on a path aimed at moving from the margins of global affairs to becoming a more active and respected member of the international community. Rather than adopting a confrontational posture, the country chose diplomacy, dialogue and engagement as its preferred instruments of statecraft.
From the periphery to the centre
Under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has projected itself as a rational actor pursuing its interests through calculated engagement under the mantra of being a “friend to all and enemy of none”.
This approach has become the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and engagement and re-engagement strategy. Through renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and respect for international norms, Zimbabwe has gradually rebuilt relationships with key international partners.
One of the earliest signals of this new direction was Zimbabwe’s interest in rejoining the Commonwealth, a move that helped open channels of communication with Britain and contributed to efforts aimed at normalising relations.
Although the question of Commonwealth readmission remains unresolved, engagement between the two countries has continued, with both sides pursuing dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The same spirit of engagement was reflected in Zimbabwe’s decision to compensate former white commercial farmers for infrastructure improvements made on farms acquired during the land reform programme. The move was widely viewed as an important confidence-building measure aimed at resolving longstanding disputes and improving relations with the international community.
Diplomatic re-engagement has also extended into the realm of sport, often regarded as one of the most effective forms of soft power.
A notable example was the resumption of Test cricket between Zimbabwe and England, which played their first Test match against each other since 2003. Such developments may appear symbolic, but they often reflect broader improvements in bilateral relations.
Sport has also become a platform through which Zimbabwe has projected its capabilities onto the global stage.
The election of former Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry as president of the International Olympic
Committee elevated Zimbabwe’s profile within international sport. Similarly, Zimbabwe’s growing presence in athletics, highlighted by the participation of Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe
Makarawu in the men’s 200-metre final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has further showcased the country’s talent and potential.
The country’s growing prominence has not been driven by Government alone.
A number of Zimbabweans working in various fields have also helped raise the country’s profile internationally. These include Dr Tatenda Shopera, a senior scientist at Pfizer who played a role in
developing the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, and Dr James Manyika, Google’s senior vice-president for technology and society.
Zimbabwe has also earned international recognition through its contribution to global peacekeeping efforts. Major Winnet Zharare’s receipt of the United Nations Military Gender
Advocate of the Year Award highlighted the professionalism and impact of Zimbabwean personnel serving abroad.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s abundant natural resources have increasingly attracted global attention.
The country’s vast reserves of critical minerals required for the global energy transition have drawn interest from major powers, including the United States, China, Russia, France and South Korea.
This growing interest has provided Zimbabwe with opportunities to engage strategically with a wide range of international partners while advancing its own development objectives.
As part of its drive towards attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030, Zimbabwe has also intensified engagement with international financial institutions. Through efforts led by former
Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano, the country has presented reform measures and debt resolution plans aimed at restoring stronger relations with international lenders.
The country’s international image has also benefited from growing interest in its tourism sector. Increasing global recognition of Zimbabwe as a travel destination reflects how perceptions of the nation have evolved over time.
Taken together, these developments point to a country that is advancing its interests through strategic engagement rather than confrontation.
SADC, COMESA and the United Nations
Zimbabwe’s growing international standing is perhaps most visible in the trust being placed in it by regional and global institutions.
At a time when the voices of developing countries are increasingly shaping global debates,
Zimbabwe’s diplomatic approach has strengthened its credibility and expanded its influence.
Had the country continued down a path of political confrontation and harsh rhetoric, it is unlikely that it would have secured the widespread support necessary to advance its international ambitions.
A clear example was Zimbabwe’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The overwhelming support it received from United Nations member states reflected growing confidence in the country’s contribution to international affairs and its ability to represent broader regional interests.
The same principle is evident in Zimbabwe’s expected assumption of the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
The elevation to such an important regional leadership role is not accidental. It reflects confidence in Zimbabwe’s capacity to contribute to regional integration, economic cooperation and collective development.
These achievements underline an important lesson in international relations. While war may achieve certain objectives through force, diplomacy often delivers lasting influence, legitimacy and partnerships.
Zimbabwe’s recent experience suggests that meaningful progress on the international stage is increasingly being secured not through confrontation but through engagement, cooperation and strategic diplomacy.
As the country continues its journey towards Vision 2030, its growing regional and global influence stands as evidence of the value of diplomacy in advancing national interests and securing a place at the centre of international affairs.
