Zimbabwe's Government of National Unity (GNU): A Panacea to an Economy in a State of Crisis? [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

The book discusses advantages of a Unity government in Zimbabwe, popularly known as `Government of National Unity' (GNU) in the light of the economic and political crises that had bombarded the country since 2000. The work is predicated upon the theory of utilitarianism, especially the version of Jeremy Bentham and John Stewart Mill. The author sought to examine the utility of the GNU in resuscitating the moribund economy whose inflation had gone beyond 70 billion percent by mid 2008. The work attributes the economic downfall to the previous government's tendency to interfere with economy in ways that stifled manufacturers, controversial operations such as Fast track Land reform Program and Operation Murambatsvina and Economic Structural Adjustment Program. The author argues that the coalition government succeeded in achieving the `greatest utility for the greatest number of people'. Thus for him the coalition government is the best solution needed to revive the economy of Zimbabwe.

This work discusses issues that are currently affecting Zimbabwe. The discussion of GNU in the context of business ethics is commendable. I was particularly impressed by the way he attempts to apply utilitarianism, a philosophical concept to the GNU. The author also demonstrates that he is knowledgeable with other disciplines that deal with the issues affecting Zimbabweans today; a political scientist, sociologist, historian or an economist will find this book interesting. Overall, this book is good. The author has consulted relevant and sufficient literature although he quotes from his unpublished work at times.

However, it seems the author glosses over the weaknesses of the GNU in arresting the economic problems in Zimbabwe. In other words, he exaggerates the gains of the coalition government. It is an overstatement to say that the GNU produces the `greatest utility for the greatest number of people.' How does one arrive at the greatest number? Does the number include the have-nots who constitute the majority population in the country or only those who can access foreign currency to buy the goods and services? Additionally, the author seems to suggest that the majority is right. It seems for him anything goes as long as it produces the greatest utility for the greatest number. Utilitarianism has its own problems and the author should have taken this into account. Although he critiques Adam Smith's views, he does not criticize the views of Jeremy Bentham and John Stewart Mill on which this book is anchored.
Zimbabwe's Government of National Unity (GNU): A Panacea to an Economy in a State of Crisis?
For me the coalition government n Zimbabwe is not a panacea but`opium'. The problems of corruption, government interference in business, stifling legislation that drive away investors are still in place. Politically, nothing has changed; the opposition is there only in name, with no meaningful influence. I do not see how business can thrive in a country where chaos and anarchy reigns. Human rights abuses, selective application of the law and crackdown on the human rights activists and the opposition continue unabated. It is in this context that I view the GNU as opium rather than a panacea. We cannot talk of a good business environment in the context of the Zimbabwean government of national unity.