Paper short abstract:

This paper analyzes the impact of external factors on the crisis in Zimbabwe in the early 2000s. The paper is based on documents and the personal experience of the trip to Zimbabwe in the summer of 2012.

Paper long abstract:

Over the years, Zimbabwe has experienced a severe foreign pressure, particularly from the EU and the U.S. Imposed economic constraints have played an important role in the aggravating of the crisis in Zimbabwe. However, the attempt to mandatory to sanctions failed because it has been blocked by China and Russia in the UN Security Council.

South Africa, Zimbabwe's traditional partner, plays a positive role in resolving Zimbabwean problems. South Africa has repeatedly acted as a mediator in the solution of internal conflicts in Zimbabwe.

Complicated relationships between the political regime of Zimbabwe and western countries have forced R. Mugabe to shift his foreign policy. Proclaimed by President R. Mugabe paradigm «Look East» has spoken of the need to establish closer relations with Asian countries. As a result of this policy, Asian countries and especially China have become major partners of Zimbabwe in economic, political and military spheres.

Today Zimbabwe began to overcome the crisis, it is showing a steady growth in GDP and a low inflation rate. However, economic growth and the achievement of political stability are hampered many internal and external problems.