Nationalism, Democracy and Human Rights (v. 2) (The Historical Dimensions of Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1779200013 ISBN 13: 9781779200013

Publisher: University of Zimbabwe Publications, 2000

Synopsis

Zimbabwean human rights historiography often assumes that pre- colonial African politics were democratic; whilst colonialism implies a total denial of human rights. It further assumes that Zimbabwean nationalism was in essence a human rights movement; and that the liberation struggle, which led to the overthrow of colonial oppression, reinstated both human rights and democracy. This, the second volume on the historical dimensions of human rights in Africa, reconsiders questions of nationalism, democracy and human rights. It asks why the first 'democratic revolution' was frustrated in Africa, despite the democratic dimensions of the early nationalist movements. It considers possible causes of the resulting post-independence authoritarianism in Zimbabwe as centralism, top-down modernisation, or 'development'; and it reviews the outcomes of a commandist state. Common themes running through the book are the ambiguities and antitheses which concepts of nationalism and democracy imply; and the delicate, but necessary balancing which discourse on majoritarian democracy and human rights is bound to produce. This in-depth historical analysis by some of Zimbabwe's leading intellectuals and academics sheds essential light on some of the conflicts, traumas and human rights dilemmas that the country is experiencing at present.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Zimbabwe Publications
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1779200013
• ISBN 13: 9781779200013
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 204
• Editor: Ranger Terance O.