Brian Raftopoulos | University of the Western Cape (original) (raw)

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Papers by Brian Raftopoulos

The Historian, Dec 1, 2012

African Affairs, Feb 13, 2012

Journal of Modern African Studies, Feb 27, 2012

Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review, 1995

An overview of the history of the trade union movement in Zimbabwe 1980-2000.

Southern Africa political and economic monthly, 1997

Weaver Press eBooks, 2004

This chapter was published in the book " Zimbabwe: The past is the future" edited by Da... more This chapter was published in the book " Zimbabwe: The past is the future" edited by David Harold-Barry

, in May 1991. I am grateful for the comments I received at the Conference. In addition, two of m... more , in May 1991. I am grateful for the comments I received at the Conference. In addition, two of my colleagues at IDS at the University of Zimbabwe, Lloyd Sachikonye and Sam Moyo, made valuable comments on the paper, contributing with their astute insight into Zimbabwean politics. I am grateful to both of them. However, whatever mistakes remain in the discussion are of my own making. v "I leaned back against the msasa tree and lay still, trying not to think about the House of Hunger where the acids of gut-rot had beaten into the base metal of my brains. The House has now become my mind; and I do not like the way the roof is rattling".

As Anderson has written, "...so often in the 'nation building' policies of new states one sees bo... more As Anderson has written, "...so often in the 'nation building' policies of new states one sees both a genuine, popular nationalist enthusiasm and a systematic, even Machiavellism, instilling of nationalist ideology through the mass media, the educational system, administrative regulations, and so forth, "(p. 104) Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origins and Spread of Nationalism. London 1983. 1 Front, whose recidivist politics are thinly disguised behind the reinvigorated rhetoric around issues of legitimacy. It will be one of major tasks of this discussion to analyse the material basis of these different strategies and their accompanying articulations of race and nationalism. Before proceeding with that analysis, however, it is necessary to interrogate some of the major attempts that have been made to articulate the relationships between race, class and nationalism in Zimbabwean. In the late 1960's a seminal Marxist analysis by Giovanni Arrighi. 3 on the 'Political Economy of Rhodesia,' sought to periodise the changes in the settler colonial state in terms of changes in the relations between different sections of the capitalist class. 4 5 In so doing he sought not only to understand the consequences of such changes for the accumulation process, but their effects on relations both between fractions of the dominant white elite and between the latter and the dominated classes amongst the blacks. Thus while Arrighi saw a communality of interests between the white classes as a whole in maintaining their economic position and avoiding "any sudden change in the economic base," he also examined the contradictions between settler and international capital over the creation of a black , middle class and a more stabilised working class. From this position he assumed the possibility of "a coincidence of the interests of the Africans and international capitalism since both would benefit from greater racial competition in the skilled labour market" Building on Arrighi's analysis, Stoneman and Cliffe posed the question of the extent of the reassertion of international capital in the Zimbabwean economy since 1980, and whether this has been at the "expense of the settlers, or national industrial capital and with the unambiguous collaboration of the African petty-bourgeoisie?" 6 They concluded that it is "not yet clear whether Arrighi's projected bloc based on the commonality of interests of the black petty-bourgeoisie and international capital has in fact emerged or whether there has been an alternative leaning of the petty-bourgeoisie. more towards national capital."7 Common to the approach of Arrighi, Stoneman and Cliffe was to present the possibility 3

The persistent and changing forms of military interventions in global politics present continuing... more The persistent and changing forms of military interventions in global politics present continuing challenges for democratic agendas. Authoritarian regimes in Africa bolstered by militarist structures limit the possibilities for democratic alternatives. This can lead to desperate hopes that some form of militarism is a necessary prerequisite for democratic transition sometimes with the assistance of a popular sense of appeal. The outcome of such interventions is often a prelude to yet another round of authoritarian politics. In countries like Zimbabwe embedded in a Southern African region with a history of armed liberation struggles the narratives of a liberating militarism remain strong, as does the official ownership of the liberation narratives and the purported trajectory they should follow. However as these liberation parties face growing challenges from opposition voices that contest for their own claims on liberation histories, divisions and factions within the dominant parties have increased. The future of these struggles remains uncertain but there is a growing danger that a global preference for any form of political stabilization will marginalize the more difficult challenges of developing democratic alternatives.

Weaver Press eBooks, 2005

The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, Dec 1, 2010

Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf ... more Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.

Review of African Political Economy, Sep 1, 2004

Politique africaine, 2001

The excellent MDC performance during the June 2000 elections, in spite of the climate of violence... more The excellent MDC performance during the June 2000 elections, in spite of the climate of violence created by the ruling party and the fact that the movement was just born a few months before, can be better understood by looking at the genesis of the current political opposition, specifically at the process of transformation of the trade union movement. The changes in the relationship between the current regime and the unions since 1980, from close collaboration to open confrontation, and then the alliance formed with segments of civil society, account for the fast development of the MDC, but also for its internal divisions and shortcomings.

Weaver Press eBooks, 2013

THE HA RD ROA D TO REFORM. THE POLITICS OF ZIMBA BW E S GLOBA L POLITICA L A GREEMENT (PA PERBA C... more THE HA RD ROA D TO REFORM. THE POLITICS OF ZIMBA BW E S GLOBA L POLITICA L A GREEMENT (PA PERBA CK) To get The Hard Road to Reform. the Polit ics of Zimbabwe s Global Polit ical A g reement (Paperback) PDF, please access the web link below and download the document or gain access to additional information which might be have conjunction with The Hard Road to Reform. the Politics of Zimbabwe s Global Political Agreement (Paperback) ebook.