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attitudes, including education and media promotion. The educational system has been used to promote the regime’s ideology and ideals, while the media has been manipulated to influence public opinion and silence dissenters. The rise of ‘biopower’ has led to the state’s attempt to regulate and control individuals’ bodies and brains.
Governmentality in Zimbabwe
Foucault’s concept of governmentality relates to how gov- ernments exercise power over individuals and populations using diverse strategies and rationalities. With a history of political persecution and authoritarian governance, Zimba- bwe offers an alternative example of governmentality (Is- lam 2020). The Zimbabwean government has suppressed political dissent and maintained social control through a variety of strategies, including media and education (Mat- silele 2019). However, the government’s capacity to prac- tice efficient governmentality has been hampered by the nation’s political unrest and economic crises.
Zimbabwe’s government has always exploited the me- dia to mould public opinion and maintain control over storylines. State-owned media channels highlight official triumphs while restricting opposing viewpoints. Rwodzi (2024 is of the view that the employment of propaganda campaigns strengthens the legitimacy of ZANU-PF rule by portraying opposition parties as dangers to national se- curity. Tiethof (2016) maintains that this information ma- nipulation demonstrates Foucault’s concept of productive power by creating a controlled atmosphere in which indi- viduals internalise state narratives.
The Zimbabwean government uses surveillance tech- niques to track citizens’ actions and crush dissent. Stevens et al. (2023) argue that laws like the Public Order and Secu- rity Act limit freedoms of assembly and expression, creat- ing an environment in which people are apprehensive of expressing their objections to the government. This sort of control is consistent with Foucault’s concept of disciplinary power, in which individuals restrict their behaviour out of fear of observation and punishment. Zimbabwe’s govern- mentality is also influenced by its political economy, which has been plagued by crises and insecurity. The country has endured hyperinflation, economic deterioration, and des- titution, resulting in a humanitarian crisis (United Nations 2019). The state has responded to these crises with a vari- ety of techniques, including repression and control, as well as economic reforms and international aid (International Monetary Fund 2019).
discussion of research findings
Egypt
Economic growth initiatives are one example of a favourable influence (Burnstein 2020). Joya (2017) argues that the Egyptian government has pursued neoliberal
economic changes designed to boost development. These changes have included privatisation and structural adjustment initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and attracting international investment. Gluskin-Braun (2020), notes that such measures can lead to greater economic activity and employment growth, favourably impacting the national economy. Governmentality in Egypt has also been shown in initiatives to promote public health and welfare. The government and religious groups have partnered during emergencies like COVID-19 to provide critical services such as food distribution and hospital support, addressing urgent demands.
One of the negative aspects of governmentality is authori- tarian control. Gluskin-Braun (2020) observes that the Egyp- tian leadership uses governmentality to consolidate con- trol and repress opposition. Shehata (2018) contends that following the 2011 revolution several political groups were either suppressed or placed under official control, resulting in a major decrease in political plurality. This authoritarian attitude weakens democratic processes and limits civil free- doms. It has been also noted that one of the negative per- spectives of governmentality in Egypt relates to neoliberal policies causing inequality (Elmeligy 2018). While neoliberal reforms attempt to boost economic development, they fre- quently increase social inequities. El Sharnouby (2012) pos- its that the state’s withdrawal from providing fundamental services shifts the burden onto people, encouraging a cul- ture of self-responsibility that disproportionately impacts the lowest elements of society. This transition results in a weak state scenario in which residents are left to handle economic problems without proper help.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe the idea of governmentality refers to the differ- ent ways in which the state wields authority over its popula- tion (Sivalo 2017), including both constructive governance efforts and harmful actions that damage democracy and social welfare. One of the positive aspects of governmental- ity is a constitutional framework for devolution. Nyikadzino and Vyas-Doorgapersad (2020) assert that Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution represented a significant step forward in gov- ernance by recognising local government and calling for the devolution of authority to local communities. Mukoyi (2021) points out that this framework strives to improve good gov- ernance, empower individuals politically and economically, and encourage democratic decision-making. This constitu- tional modification is intended to give individuals a greater say in how their municipal issues are managed.
Chinyere and Rukema (2020) state that the Government of National Unity (GNU) was established in 2008 as part of the Global Political Agreement to encourage political party uni- ty to stabilise the country following years of turmoil. Nhen- gu and Murairwa (2020) posit that this partnership provided
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