Memorandum on US policy on Zimbabwe


TO: President Donald Trump
FROM: Matt Fitzgerald
DATE: April 29, 2018
SUBJECT: Memorandum on US policy on Zimbabwe
Introduction
               Robert Mugabe has resigned after 40 years of rule over Zimbabwe. At 93 years old, “he was the world oldest head of state.”[1] During his 40-year rule, he worked to stomp out all opposition and violated the rights of many Zimbabweans. His regime was a kleptocracy thinly veiled with his decolonization rhetoric. Although Magube has resigned, much of his corrupted legacy still remains. There is still a disparity in wealth. Of the top ten wealthiest people in Zimbabwe, nine had ties with Mugabe.[2] Zimbabwe’s economy is still in recovery form Mugabe’s rule since he lacked an understanding of economics at the time. the primary education system of Zimbabwe, left largely untouched by Mugabe, is one of the best in Africa, and it is rich in natural resources like coal, platinum, copper, nickel, gold, iron ore, and lumber.[3] there is potential for economic improvement; however, it will depend on what its leaders choose. I feel that we must help Zimbabwe out in order to ensure its recovery and its continuation of democracy.
Option 1
               The Unites States has an obligation to help Zimbabwe out. The U.S. put Mugabe in power during the Carter administration, but Secretary of State Henry Kissinger involved the U.S in the conflict first. When Carter won the election over Ford, Carter backed Mugabe. Because of this, we are responsible for what occurred during Mugabe’s 40-year rule. The country would only need help with infrastructure since Zimbabwe has plenty of untapped natural resources. they have a strong primary education system to build off of so that they will only need help with secondary schooling. This help would be financial and it would go to building mining facilities for their natural resources and to helping their education system. It might cost us some money, but it is the right thing to do for a wrong we committed.
Option 2
               The U.S has involved itself in too many countries that ended up doing more harm than good. All of our Cold War interventions did not end well for the people in those countries. It looks like the country is moving towards an economic recovery so there is no need to help them further. There are more important things to divert our resources to. It would be a mistake involving ourselves with a government that is still corrupt. Mugabe might have resigned but his legacy still remains.
Solution
               The best course of action to take is option one. Zimbabwe is on the brink of an economic recovery. If we give them some economic aid, then we will help speed up the recovery process. A stable economy allows for a stable democracy. We also have an obligation to help the people of Zimbabwe since we supported someone who was not a good leader to his people. It is not only the best course of action, but it is the right thing to do.


[1] Al Jazeera, "Robert Mugabe Resigns: World Reaction," Israeli–Palestinian Conflict | Al Jazeera, November 21, 2017, , https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/robert-mugabe-resigns-world-reaction-171121191805387.html.
[2] John Campbell, "Robert Mugabe: Icon and Kleptocrat," Council on Foreign Relations, November 29, 2017, , https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/robert-mugabe-icon-and-kleptocrat.
[3] John Muhaise Bikalemesa, "Zimbabwe Natural Resources," Fortune of Africa DR Congo, March 11, 2014, , http://fortuneofafrica.com/zimbabwe/2014/02/10/zimbabwe-natural-resources/.

Comments

  1. Great memorandum, Matt! I enjoyed reading your foreign policy position on Zimbabwe and the situation with Robert Mugabe. I agree with your argument that the United States should be involved with the situation in Zimbabwe by helping to resolve the human rights violations issue within the country and help stabilize their economy. In addition, I agree with your policy statement regarding the notion that the United States should take action by providing Zimbabwe with economic aid. In this way, their economy will likely be able to stabilize, which will ultimately help the people of Zimbabwe. Based on the two policy options that you outlined, which one do you believe that current President Trump might be most willing to pursue? If you don’t think President Trump would be in favor of either of the policy options you suggested, is there a third option he might consider? If so, what?

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