A Robust and Nuanced US Policy Response to Zimbabwe’s Narrow Democratic Window

Todd Moss testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs on June 18, 2013.

From Moss's testimony:

After 33 years in power, Robert Mugabe is running for yet another term. To put this in perspective, jump forward to the year 2041 and imagine that President Obama is still President, has deployed the FBI, CIA, and US Marines to crush his domestic opponents, and is then running again for another term. Unthinkable? That’s the situation in Zimbabwe today. This is therefore a timely opportunity to shape US policy, not only because Zimbabwe is facing a critical juncture, but also because I am increasingly concerned our government may be sleepwalking down the wrong path. Before making recommendations for US policy, let me make three analytical points.