15634. ZIMBABWE: THE POLITICS OF ECONOMIC CRISIS. This paper provides a brief overview and analysis of the current economic situation in Zimbabwe and the prospects for future recovery. Following a background discussion, the analysis examines current economic conditions and the scope of the economic crisis and its underlying causes. It will be argued that Zimbabwe's economic crisis is rooted in the political strategies and ambitions of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's president since the country achieved independence in 1980. The concluding section assesses Zimbabwe's prospects for recovery. 9 pages, 28 footnotes, 24 bibliographic sources.