Under the guidance of Theodor Hanf, the CISH research program “Culture, Conflict and Democracy” has supervised studies in ethnic, religious and political conflict in fifteen countries. Zimbabwe is one of them. This one-time “Jewel of Africa” is a particularly tragic case, a former bread basket in an unparalleled downward spiral. Common wisdom pinpoints the president’s personality as the main cause of Zimbabwe’s political and economic crisis. Is this indeed the case? What factors help him maintain his hold on power? Which other actors play a role? What are the views of the political and intellectual elites? What are the attitudes of ordinary Zimbabweans? This Study attempts to provide answers to these questions.