Includes bibliographical references (pages 301-324) and index.

Understanding Zimbabwean politics -- The politics of liberation (1965-1980) -- The politics of inclusion (1980-1987) -- The politics of durability (1987-1997) -- The politics of polarization (1998-2000) -- The politics of exclusion (2000-2008) -- The politics of 'winner takes all' (2008-2014) -- Writing Zimbabwe's politics.

"Zimbabwe's recent history has been shaped by battles about who speaks for the nation, one fought out in struggles for control of political institutions, the media, and civil society. Understanding Zimbabwe examines the interactions of social groups - churches, NGOs, and political parties - from the liberation struggle, through the independence decades, as they engaged the state and ruling party. Sara Rich Dorman reveals how strategies of control and co-option were replicated and resisted, shaping expectations and behavior."