Meaning: The quote "In most recent times, as the West started being hostile to us, we deliberately declared a Look East policy" by Robert Mugabe, the former President of Zimbabwe, encapsulates a significant shift in Zimbabwe's foreign policy in response to geopolitical changes and international relations. This statement reflects Mugabe's strategic decision to pivot towards the East, particularly towards countries in Asia, in the face of growing tensions with Western nations. To fully understand the context and implications of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical, political, and economic factors that prompted Zimbabwe's adoption of a Look East policy.

Zimbabwe's foreign policy under Robert Mugabe's leadership was characterized by a complex relationship with Western countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom. Tensions between Zimbabwe and the West escalated due to a variety of issues, including land reform, human rights abuses, and the contentious issue of sanctions imposed by Western nations. The imposition of sanctions, in particular, had a detrimental impact on Zimbabwe's economy and further strained its relations with the West.

In response to the deteriorating relationship with Western powers, Mugabe's government made a deliberate shift towards fostering closer ties with countries in the East, especially with China. The Look East policy was aimed at diversifying Zimbabwe's diplomatic and economic relations and reducing its dependence on Western support. By embracing a Look East approach, Zimbabwe sought to tap into the burgeoning economies of Asian countries and access alternative sources of investment, technology, and development assistance.

The decision to declare a Look East policy also reflected Zimbabwe's desire to align itself with non-Western powers that were not as critical of its domestic policies and governance issues. This strategic reorientation of foreign policy was driven by the need for political survival, economic stability, and international support in the face of Western isolation and condemnation.

China emerged as a key partner in Zimbabwe's Look East policy, providing substantial investments in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and telecommunications. Chinese companies became significant players in Zimbabwe's economy, involved in major construction projects and resource extraction. The deepening economic ties with China underpinned Zimbabwe's efforts to diversify its trade and investment partners and reduce its reliance on Western assistance.

Beyond China, Zimbabwe also sought to engage with other Asian countries, such as India, Malaysia, and Singapore, as part of its Look East initiative. These engagements encompassed trade agreements, investment opportunities, technical cooperation, and cultural exchanges, signaling Zimbabwe's proactive efforts to broaden its international relations beyond the Western sphere.

The Look East policy had both positive and negative implications for Zimbabwe. On the one hand, it allowed the country to access new markets, investment opportunities, and development assistance from Asian partners. This diversification of diplomatic and economic ties helped cushion the impact of Western sanctions and provided Zimbabwe with alternative avenues for growth and development.

On the other hand, the Look East policy raised concerns about potential debt dependency on Asian lenders, as well as criticisms regarding the lack of transparency, environmental standards, and labor practices associated with some Chinese investments in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the shift towards closer ties with non-Western countries strained Zimbabwe's relations with traditional Western allies and raised questions about the country's commitment to democratic values and human rights standards.

In conclusion, Robert Mugabe's assertion regarding the deliberate declaration of a Look East policy reflects Zimbabwe's strategic response to the changing dynamics of international politics and its efforts to navigate the challenges posed by Western hostility. The adoption of a Look East policy signaled Zimbabwe's proactive pursuit of alternative partnerships and opportunities in the East, particularly with China and other Asian nations. This policy shift had far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe's diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical positioning, shaping its engagement with the global community in the 21st century.