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Elite Conflict, Compromise, and Enduring Authoritarianism: Polarization in Zimbabwe, 1980–2008

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  • Adrienne LeBas
  • Ngonidzashe Munemo

Abstract

How do elites play a role in crafting polarization? And what effects do elite-led conflicts have on democracy and mass politics? To examine these questions, we compare two separate episodes of party-based polarization in Zimbabwe, from 1980 to 1987 and from 2000 to 2008. Each of these moments of polarization ended in an elite power-sharing settlement, but a comparison of the two moments yields insights about both the causes of polarization and its effects. We find that the episodes of polarization were rooted in elite instrumentalization of conflict. They differed, however, in the extent to which they activated foundational myths and built larger master cleavages. We suggest that the latter episode conforms more closely to McCoy, Rahman, and Somer’s pernicious polarization, which we argue is marked by deeper societal penetration and segregation than other forms of political polarization and is also less amenable to resolution.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrienne LeBas & Ngonidzashe Munemo, 2019. "Elite Conflict, Compromise, and Enduring Authoritarianism: Polarization in Zimbabwe, 1980–2008," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 681(1), pages 209-226, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:681:y:2019:i:1:p:209-226
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716218813897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. King, Desmond S. & Smith, Rogers M., 2005. "Racial Orders in American Political Development," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 99(1), pages 75-92, February.
    4. José Garcia Montalvo & Marta Reynal-Querol, 2004. "Ethnic polarization, potential conflict and civil wars," Economics Working Papers 770, Department of Economics and Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, revised Mar 2005.
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