n Journal of Strategic Studies : A Journal of the Southern Bureau of Strategic Studies Trust - Patriotism and Nationalism - the nexus : aninterrogation of politics in Zimbabwe (2000-2013)

Abstract

The overriding intent of this article is to interrogate the blurred nexus between patriotism and nationalism employing the context of Zimbabwean politics (2000-2013) as an avenue of analysis. This article advances the thesis and notion that patriotism and nationalism are interwoven forces in Zimbabwean politics and can not be treated in isolation. One shall take into cognizance, how neo-liberalism, the prevailing national political economy, indigenization and empowerment policy and factionalism have shaped notions of patriotism and nationalism in Zimbabwean politics notwithstanding the land question in post colonial dispensation. The article will further explore the perennial yet proverbial use of the tag "sell out", "stooge" and "puppet" in Zimbabwean politics against the notions of patriotism and nationalism. Factors affecting patriotism in Zimbabwe and the significant role of patriotism in nation-building shall also be discussed. In light of this, the article shall conclude that the ruling party in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu PF), pursues a nationalist agenda grounded in patriotism where as the opposition, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and its off shoots, pursue a pseudo "democratic" and neo liberal agenda under the scapegoat of patriotism.