EUROPEAN UNION SANCTIONS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON ZIMBABWE 2002-2011: FINDING ALTERNATIVE MEANS TO SURVIVE

Abstract

This paper analyses the negative impact of sanctions on the Zimbabwean state. The argument is that the look East policy has actually helped to stabilize Zimbabwe’s heavily sanctioned economy thus alleviating a total collapse of a once thriving and vibrant economy. Sanctions though destructive as most do not always achieve the intended results. States always come up with contingency plans to counter them. The EU crafted sanctions actually reflect its interests more than what they are purported to serve. Due to the extensive nature of the sanctions on various sectors of the economy this study is limited to the agriculture, health and education sectors. These sanctions which are characterized as targeted obscure there debilitating effects on the Zimbabwean populace and the entire economy. A unity of purpose of all stakeholders involved in research should be undertaken in order to broaden the negative effects of these sanctions on the Zimbabwean state.