Zimbabwe@40

Four decades after independence, Zimbabwe has reached a point where it is worth taking stock. This volume marks that milestone while asking what the nation can learn from its successes, setbacks, obstacles and openings. Its central question is what should be avoided in the next forty years. Editors Lloyd Sachikonye and David Kaulemu have brought together a team of scholars to examine the forces that have shaped the country's development.

The contributors look at how values relate to institutions, the flaws in the country's democracy, and the so-called resource curse associated with its mineral and farming wealth. They also consider the effects of migration and the exclusion of women and young people from social life. The work comes from a steady commitment to a fair, peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe. It is presented as an evolving project, showing research, evaluation and debate still in progress and pointing toward future studies.

The editors argue that the chapters are not gloomy or hostile toward the country. They acknowledge how serious the current moment is and the hard political, economic and moral work ahead before the goals can be reached. Still, the contributors remain hopeful and believe the nation's story is far from finished.