TOPIC 4: EARLY EUROPEAN CONTACTS WITH ZIMBABWE: MISSIONARIES AND THE PORTUGUESE
United Nations
How the United Nations Started and What It Wants to Do
The United Nations (UN) is a big group of countries that work together. It was created after World War II, a time of terrible destruction, to help keep peace and make the world a better place.
How the UN Was Formed: Coming Together After a Big War
During the Big War: Thinking About Peace: Even while World War II was still happening, leaders from countries that were fighting together started thinking about how to prevent another war. They wrote down some ideas in a document called the Atlantic Charter, which was like a promise to work for peace.
Saying We Are United: Making a Group: As the war went on, more countries joined together to fight against the bad guys. They signed a paper saying they were "United Nations," which meant they were working together. This was the first time the name "United Nations" was used.
Planning the Group: Deciding How It Would Work: Leaders from the big countries that were fighting together met several times to plan how the UN would be organized. They talked about who would be in charge and how decisions would be made. They wanted to make sure everyone had a voice.
Writing the Rules: Creating the UN Charter: Leaders from many countries met in San Francisco to write the official rules for the UN. These rules were called the UN Charter. They signed the Charter, and the UN officially started a few months later. It was like they were building a house, and this was when they finished the building.
What the UN Wants to Do: Goals for a Better World
Keeping the Peace: Stopping Wars: The most important job of the UN is to stop wars and keep peace between countries. They want to help countries talk to each other instead of fighting. They also have peacekeepers who can go to places where there is fighting to try to stop it.
Helping People: Making Life Better: The UN wants to help people all over the world live better lives. They work to fight poverty, hunger, and disease. They also help people who have been forced to leave their homes because of war or other problems.
Protecting Rights: Making Sure Everyone Is Treated Fairly: The UN believes that everyone should have basic human rights, like freedom of speech and religion. They work to stop discrimination and protect the rights of all people, especially those who are vulnerable.
Working Together: Solving Problems Together: The UN encourages countries to work together to solve global problems, like climate change, pollution, and terrorism. They believe that by working together, countries can make the world a better place for everyone.
Following Rules: Making a Fair World: The UN wants countries to follow international laws and agreements. They have courts and other ways to settle disagreements between countries peacefully. They want to create a world where everyone plays by the same rules.
How the United Nations Is Organized: Its Different Parts
The United Nations (UN) is a big organization with many different parts. Each part has a specific job to do, helping the UN achieve its goals of peace and cooperation. Here's a look at the main parts of the UN:
1. The General Assembly: The Big Meeting of All Countries
The General Assembly is like a big meeting where all the countries that are members of the UN come together. Every country, big or small, gets one vote.
They meet once a year to talk about important issues, like peace, security, and development. They make recommendations to other parts of the UN and discuss global problems.
It's like a big town hall meeting for the world, where everyone gets a chance to speak.
2. The Security Council: Making Decisions About Peace and Safety
The Security Council is a smaller group that has the main job of keeping peace and safety in the world.
It has 15 members, but only 5 of them are permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). These 5 have a special power called the veto, which means they can stop any decision from being made.
The Security Council can send peacekeepers to places where there is fighting, and they can also put sanctions (like stopping trade) on countries that are doing bad things.
They are the group that takes action when there is a crisis.
3. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Working on Development and Helping People
ECOSOC works to improve the lives of people around the world. They deal with things like poverty, health, education, and human rights.
They work with many different organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), to help people in need.
They try to make the world a better place for everyone, not just a few.
4. The International Court of Justice (ICJ): The World's Court
The ICJ is like a court for countries. It settles legal disputes between countries.
Only countries can bring cases to the ICJ, not individuals.
They use international law to make decisions and help prevent conflicts from escalating.
This court helps to make sure that countries follow the rules.
5. The Secretariat: The UN's Staff
The Secretariat is like the office staff of the UN. They do the day-to-day work of the organization.
They prepare reports, organize meetings, and help to carry out the decisions of the other parts of the UN.
The Secretary-General is the head of the Secretariat, and they are like the chief manager of the UN.
6. The Trusteeship Council: Helping Colonies Become Independent (Now Suspended)
The Trusteeship Council was created to help countries that were colonies become independent.
They supervised the administration of these territories and helped them to prepare for self-government.
Now that most countries are independent, the Trusteeship Council has suspended its operations, but it could be reactivated if needed.
Specialized Agencies: Helping in Specific Areas
The UN also has specialized agencies that focus on specific areas, like health, food, and education.
These agencies work with the UN to achieve its goals. Examples include the WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
How Well Does the UN Work? (Assessing the Effectiveness of the United Nations)
The United Nations (UN) is a big group of countries that tries to make the world a better place. But how well does it actually do its job? Let's look at what the UN does well and where it struggles.
What the UN Does Well: Helping People and Keeping Some Peace
Helping People in Need: Giving Food and Medicine: The UN has many groups that help people when bad things happen, like wars or natural disasters. They give food, medicine, and shelter to people who have lost everything. Groups like the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF have saved many lives. They are very good at getting help to people who need it quickly. When big disasters happen, the UN is often one of the first groups to help.
Trying to Keep Peace: Sending Peacekeepers: The UN sends peacekeepers to places where there is fighting. These soldiers try to stop the fighting and protect people. While they don't always stop every war, they do help to keep some peace in many places. The UN gives a place for countries to talk, so they don't fight.
Talking About Human Rights: Saying Everyone Deserves Fairness: The UN helps to make sure that everyone around the world has basic rights, like freedom of speech and fairness. They have documents that say what these rights are, and they try to make sure countries follow them. They are a constant voice for people who are being treated unfairly.
Helping With Health: Fighting Diseases: The World Health Organization (WHO), part of the UN, helps to fight diseases around the world. They helped to get rid of smallpox, and they work to fight other diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO helped to coordinate the world's response.
Talking About the World's Problems: Working on Big Issues: The UN gives countries a place to talk about big problems, like climate change, poverty, and inequality. They work on goals to make the world better for everyone, like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They bring countries together to try and solve problems that affect the entire world.
What the UN Struggles With: Problems It Can't Always Fix
The Big Countries Have Too Much Power: Stopping Decisions: The Security Council, which makes big decisions about peace, has 5 permanent members with a special power called the veto. This means they can stop any decision they don't like. This can make it hard for the UN to act when big countries disagree. Sometimes, even when the UN wants to do something, one or two powerful countries can stop it.
Not Enough Power to Make Countries Obey: Hard to Enforce Rules: The UN doesn't have its own army, so it has to ask countries to send soldiers for peacekeeping. Sometimes countries don't want to help, or they are slow to send help. It can be very difficult to make countries follow the rules the UN makes.
Slow and Complicated: Taking Too Long to Act: The UN is a big organization, and sometimes it can be slow and complicated. It can take a long time to make decisions and get things done. This can make it hard to help people quickly when they need it.
Not Enough Money: Relying on Donations: The UN needs money to do its work, and it relies on countries to give money. Sometimes countries don't give enough money, or they don't give it on time. This can make it hard for the UN to do everything it wants to do.
Countries Want to Do Their Own Thing: Respecting National Rules: The UN has to respect the rules of each country, which can make it hard to stop bad things from happening inside those countries. Sometimes, even when the UN knows something bad is happening, it can't do anything about it. National rules can block the UN from helping.
The UN's Job: Helping Everyone Have Basic Rights
The United Nations (UN) plays a very important role in making sure people all over the world have their basic human rights. These rights are things everyone should have, like freedom of speech, fairness, and safety. The UN works in many ways to promote and protect these rights.
1. Setting the Rules: Making a List of Rights for Everyone
The UN created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This is a very important document that lists the basic rights that everyone in the world should have.
This declaration is like a guide for countries to follow. It says things like everyone has the right to life, freedom from torture, and freedom of thought.
By creating this document, the UN set a standard for how people should be treated, no matter where they live.
2. Making Agreements: Countries Promising to Protect Rights
The UN has also created many treaties and agreements that countries can sign. These agreements make countries promise to protect specific rights, like the rights of children, women, or people with disabilities.
When countries sign these agreements, they agree to make laws and take actions to make sure these rights are protected in their own countries.
This helps to make sure that human rights are not just ideas, but real things that are protected by law.
3. Watching and Reporting: Keeping an Eye on What's Happening
The UN has many groups that watch what is happening in different countries. They look for human rights violations, like torture, unfair imprisonment, or discrimination.
They write reports about what they find and tell the world about it. This helps to put pressure on countries to stop human rights abuses.
By shining a light on these problems, the UN helps to make sure that they don't stay hidden.
4. Helping People Directly: Providing Support and Assistance
The UN also helps people directly when their human rights are being violated. They provide support to victims of torture, help refugees, and work to protect children.
They have programs that help people learn about their rights and how to defend them.
This direct assistance helps to make a real difference in people's lives.
5. Educating and Raising Awareness: Telling People About Their Rights
The UN works to educate people about their human rights. They create educational materials and programs that teach people about their rights and how to protect them.
They also work to raise awareness about human rights issues through campaigns and events.
By helping people understand their rights, the UN empowers them to stand up for themselves and others.
6. Putting Pressure on Governments: Asking Countries to Do Better
The UN uses its influence to put pressure on governments that are violating human rights. They can issue statements, pass resolutions, and even impose sanctions.
They also work with governments to help them improve their human rights record.
This pressure can help to bring about change and make governments more accountable.
7. Working with Other Groups: Partnering for Change
The UN works with many other groups, like non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations, to promote and protect human rights.
These partnerships help to amplify the UN's efforts and bring about change at the local, national, and international levels.
Working together makes the UN's work more effective.
8. Providing a Place for Complaints: Giving People a Voice
The UN provides a place where people can complain if their human rights are being violated.
They have special procedures that allow individuals and groups to bring their cases to the attention of the UN.
This gives people a way to seek justice when their own countries fail to protect their rights.
9. Setting Global Goals: Making Human Rights a Priority
The UN has included human rights in its global goals, like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This helps to make sure that human rights are considered in all areas of development.
This mainstreaming of human rights helps to make them a priority for all countries.
10. Building a Culture of Human Rights: Making Rights a Part of Everyday Life
Ultimately, the UN aims to build a culture of human rights, where everyone understands and respects the rights of others.
This involves changing attitudes and behaviors, and creating a world where human rights are a part of everyday life.
This is a long-term goal, but it is essential for creating a just and peaceful world.
Zimbabwe and the International Community (Foreign Policy) since Independence
Zimbabwe's Friends: China and Europe
Zimbabwe has two very different relationships with big groups of countries: China and the European Union (EU). These relationships are shaped by history, money, and how each group sees Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe and China: Close Friends and Business Partners
Old Friends: Helping Each Other for a Long Time:
Zimbabwe and China have been friends for a long time. China helped Zimbabwe when it was fighting to become independent.
After Zimbabwe became its own country, they kept working together. This long history makes their friendship strong.
Looking East: Finding a New Friend:
When Zimbabwe had problems with countries in the West, it decided to "look east" and become closer to China.
China doesn't usually tell other countries what to do, which Zimbabwe liked. This made China a good friend when others were critical.
Doing Business Together: Money and Projects:
China has invested a lot of money in Zimbabwe, especially in things like mining, building roads, and farming.
They trade a lot, with China buying many of Zimbabwe's natural resources.
China has also built big projects in Zimbabwe, like a new building for the government.
Helping Each Other Politically: Standing Together:
China has supported Zimbabwe when other countries have criticized it. They often vote together at the United Nations.
This political support is very important for Zimbabwe, as it helps them feel less alone in the world.
Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU): A Difficult Relationship
Problems and Arguments: Not Always Agreeing:
Zimbabwe and the EU have had a difficult relationship, especially since the early 2000s.
The EU has been concerned about things like how Zimbabwe treats its people, how it runs elections, and how it took land from white farmers.
Stopping Trade and Help: Punishing Zimbabwe:
The EU has put sanctions on Zimbabwe, which means they have stopped trading with them and have frozen money belonging to some people in the government.
These sanctions have hurt Zimbabwe's economy.
Trying to Talk: Keeping Some Contact:
Even with the problems, Zimbabwe and the EU have tried to keep talking to each other.
The EU has also given Zimbabwe some help, especially when there have been problems like droughts.
Changing Feelings: Sometimes Better, Sometimes Worse:
The relationship between Zimbabwe and the EU changes depending on what is happening in Zimbabwe.
Sometimes they try to work together more, but there are still many things they disagree on.
The Big Difference: Money and Rules
China's relationship with Zimbabwe is mostly about money and helping each other politically. They try not to interfere in each other's problems.
The EU's relationship with Zimbabwe is more about rules and values, like human rights and democracy. This often leads to disagreements and problems.
Why Zimbabwe Looked East: The Reasons Behind the Policy
The "Look East" policy, adopted by Zimbabwe in the early 2000s, represented a significant shift in the country's foreign policy. This policy aimed to strengthen ties with Asian countries, particularly China, at a time when relations with Western nations were deteriorating. Here are the key reasons behind its adoption:
Western Sanctions and Isolation: Losing Friends in the West
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Zimbabwe's relationship with Western countries, including the United States and European Union members, became increasingly strained.
Concerns about human rights abuses, electoral irregularities, and the controversial land reform program led to the imposition of sanctions by these Western nations.
These sanctions included travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on trade and aid. This left Zimbabwe feeling isolated and economically vulnerable.
Land Reform and International Criticism: Taking Land and Getting Punished
The Zimbabwean government's land reform program, which aimed to redistribute land from white commercial farmers to black Zimbabweans, drew heavy criticism from Western governments and international organizations.
They argued that the program was implemented in a chaotic and violent manner, undermining the rule of law and causing economic damage.
This criticism, combined with the sanctions, created a sense of hostility and mistrust between Zimbabwe and Western powers.
Seeking Alternative Economic Partners: Finding New Sources of Support
Facing economic hardship due to sanctions and reduced aid, Zimbabwe needed to find new economic partners to sustain its economy.
Asian countries, particularly China, were seen as viable alternatives. China's growing economic power and its policy of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs made it an attractive partner.
Zimbabwe sought investment, trade, and financial assistance from these Asian nations to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions.
Ideological Alignment and Anti-Western Sentiment: Sharing Similar Views
The Zimbabwean government perceived a shared history of anti-colonial struggle and a common stance against Western dominance with many Asian nations.
This ideological alignment fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding.
The "Look East" policy was also fueled by a growing anti-Western sentiment within Zimbabwe, with the government portraying Western sanctions as a form of neo-colonialism.
China's Non-Interference Policy: A Friend That Doesn't Criticize
China's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries was a key factor in Zimbabwe's decision to strengthen ties with Beijing.
This policy contrasted sharply with the Western emphasis on human rights and good governance, which Zimbabwe viewed as intrusive.
China provided economic and political support without imposing conditions on Zimbabwe's domestic policies.
Diversifying Trade and Investment: Not Putting All Eggs in One Basket
The "Look East" policy was also driven by a desire to diversify Zimbabwe's trade and investment partners, reducing its reliance on Western markets.
By strengthening ties with Asian countries, Zimbabwe aimed to create new markets for its exports and attract investment in key sectors of its economy.
This diversification was seen as a way to build economic resilience.
Political Survival: Staying in Power
The "Look East" policy was also seen as a way for the ruling ZANU-PF party to maintain its grip on power in the face of growing domestic and international pressure.
By securing alternative sources of support, the government aimed to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions and maintain its political legitimacy.
This policy allowed the government to continue functioning, despite western pressure.
Infrastructure Development: Building Roads and Bridges
Zimbabwe sought infrastructure development. China was willing to provide loans and build infrastructure projects, which were very important to Zimbabwe.
China's investment in roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects provided a visible benefit to the population.
This allowed the government to point to tangible results of the "Look East" policy.
Keeping Peace After Freedom: Zimbabwe's Role
After gaining independence in 1980, Zimbabwe faced the challenge of building a nation and contributing to peace in the region and beyond. Its peacekeeping and peacemaking policies reflected a mix of idealism, pragmatism, and evolving national interests.
Early Commitment to Regional Peace: Helping Neighbors
In the immediate years following independence, Zimbabwe demonstrated a strong commitment to regional peace. This was partly driven by the experience of its own liberation struggle, which had received support from neighboring countries.
Zimbabwe actively participated in efforts to resolve conflicts in the Southern African region, particularly in Mozambique, which was grappling with a civil war.
The Zimbabwean military intervened in Mozambique to protect vital transport routes and support the government against rebel forces. This intervention showcased Zimbabwe's willingness to play a proactive role in regional security.
Non-Aligned Movement and International Diplomacy: Staying Neutral and Talking to Everyone
Zimbabwe, under Robert Mugabe, was a prominent member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This movement aimed to provide a voice for countries that didn't want to take sides in the Cold War.
Through NAM, Zimbabwe advocated for peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation. It engaged in diplomatic efforts to address global issues and promote dialogue.
This showed a desire to be involved in global conversations, and not just regional ones.
Peacekeeping Contributions to the UN: Helping the World
Zimbabwe has contributed troops and personnel to various United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions around the world.
This participation reflected a commitment to international peace and security and allowed Zimbabwe to gain experience in multilateral peacekeeping operations.
Sending soldiers to help in places like Somalia, Angola, and other countries that needed help showed that Zimbabwe wanted to be a part of the global effort to keep peace.
Evolving National Interests and Regional Interventions: Focusing on Home
As Zimbabwe's domestic political and economic situation deteriorated, its foreign policy became increasingly focused on protecting its national interests and maintaining regional influence.
This shift was evident in its interventions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the late 1990s.
While the stated aim was to support a friendly government and prevent regional instability, these interventions also served to secure access to resources and strengthen Zimbabwe's regional power.
Domestic Challenges and International Scrutiny: Problems at Home, Eyes Watching
Zimbabwe's involvement in regional conflicts and its own domestic political situation drew increasing international scrutiny.
Concerns about human rights abuses, electoral irregularities, and economic mismanagement strained relations with Western nations and international organizations.
This made it harder for Zimbabwe to play a big role in keeping peace, as many countries were critical of its own actions.
Shifting Alignments and "Look East" Policy: Finding New Friends
Facing isolation from Western powers, Zimbabwe adopted a "Look East" policy, strengthening ties with Asian countries, particularly China.
This shift had implications for its peacekeeping and peacemaking policies, as it sought support from nations with different approaches to international relations.
This meant that Zimbabwe was less likely to work with western nations, and more likely to work with eastern nations.
Continued Participation in UN Missions: Still Helping When Possible
Despite its challenges, Zimbabwe has continued to participate in UN peacekeeping missions, albeit on a smaller scale.
This reflects a continued commitment to international peace and security, even as its own domestic and regional priorities have shifted.
This is a sign that even with domestic problems, Zimbabwe still wants to be a part of international peace keeping.
Balancing National Interests and International Obligations: Trying to Do Both
Zimbabwe's peacekeeping and peacemaking policies have been shaped by a complex interplay of national interests, regional dynamics, and international obligations.
The country has sought to balance its desire to contribute to global peace with its need to address its own domestic challenges and maintain its regional influence.
