Foreign Policy and the Granting of Asylum: The Case of Zimbabwean Asylum Seekers in the United States (2000–2016)

Abstract

The nexus between foreign policy and the granting of asylum exists, but scholars have not yet reached a consensus regarding the nature of the relationship. This study examines the role of foreign policy in the granting of asylum using the case of Zimbabwean asylum seekers in the United States (US). It found that although other factors matter, foreign policy was central to the outcomes of Zimbabwean asylum seekers in the US. It asserts that explaining the outcomes of Zimbabwean asylum seekers in the US needs to go beyond the role of foreign policy and be nuanced because the case study rejects a monolithic understanding.

The City of Harare's response to COVID-19: A case for international co-operation and solidarity

“…Although the 2013 Constitution is not categorical on the sharing of foreign policy capability, the main understanding among Zimbabwean policy-makers, academics and local government practitioners is that the central government should take a leading role in the foreign policy functional sphere. As a result, Zimbabwe's presidency, though assisted by other stakeholders, such as the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front's Politburo and Central Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries, the cabinet, the Central Intelligence Organisation, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Parliament, parastatals and the central bank, dominates the foreign policy-making process in the country ( Ndawana 2018a , 130). This is the case despite that a combination of factors since the country's independence in 1980 has stimulated Zimbabwe's SNGs, especially municipalities, to assume, though inconsistently, a direct and active international role, to the extent that municipal (city-to-city cooperation) diplomacy has become a part of Zimbabwe's international relations.…”

How Cuba Survived Sanctions and the Lessons for Zimbabwe

“…The factors which led to the imposition of sanctions on Zimbabwe are a subject of contestation (see, e.g., Chingono 2010; Hove 2012; Ndawana 2018). It suffices to say that a mix of the Zimbabwean government’s deteriorating human rights record, and misgovernance during the implementation of the 2000s land reform exercise as well as conduct of elections marred by irregularities culminated in the tensions between Zimbabwe and the West which prompted sanctions.…”