Linfield Alum Promotes Democracy in Book Lecture

Chipo Dendere returns to her alma mater to discuss her new book on Zimbabwe's authoritarian regime.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Chipo Dendere, a Linfield College alumna, recently returned to her alma mater to give a lecture about her new book 'Death, Diversion, and Departure: Voter Exit and the Persistence of Authoritarianism in Zimbabwe'. Dendere, who now teaches at Wellesley College, discussed the importance of democracy and how the authoritarian government in Zimbabwe has maintained power through tactics like voter suppression and the HIV crisis.

Why it matters

Dendere's book and lecture provide insights into how authoritarian regimes can cling to power even in the face of democratic opposition. Her analysis of voter exit and the impact of the HIV crisis on Zimbabwe's middle class offers lessons that may be applicable to other countries struggling to preserve democratic institutions.

The details

In her lecture, Dendere explained how Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party has never lost a general election, maintaining power through violence and voter suppression. She discussed how the country's high rate of emigration, as well as the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on the opposition-leaning middle class, have contributed to the party's ability to stay in power.

  • Dendere received her diploma from Linfield College in 2008.
  • Dendere returned to Linfield in 2026 to give a lecture about her new book.

The players

Chipo Dendere

A Linfield College alumna who is now a professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College. She recently published a book titled 'Death, Diversion, and Departure: Voter Exit and the Persistence of Authoritarianism in Zimbabwe'.

Jackson Miller

The chair of the theatre and communication arts department and director of forensics at Linfield College, who gave opening remarks for Dendere's lecture.

Pat Cottrell

The chair of the political science department at Linfield College, who also gave remarks at Dendere's lecture.

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What they’re saying

“She really wanted to use her voice and intellect to promote positive change throughout the world.”

— Jackson Miller, Chair of the theatre and communication arts department and director of forensics, Linfield College (thelinfieldreview.com)

“[Dendere] is truly a bright and shining star of Linfield.”

— Pat Cottrell, Chair of the political science department, Linfield College (thelinfieldreview.com)

“There's nothing better than coming home.”

— Chipo Dendere (thelinfieldreview.com)

“At Linfield I learned the importance of listening before reacting.”

— Chipo Dendere (thelinfieldreview.com)

“If we want to save democracy, we need to think beyond our inner circles and build networks.”

— Chipo Dendere (thelinfieldreview.com)

What’s next

Dendere's book 'Death, Diversion, and Departure: Voter Exit and the Persistence of Authoritarianism in Zimbabwe' is available now.

The takeaway

Dendere's analysis of how authoritarian regimes can maintain power through tactics like voter suppression and the erosion of the middle class serves as a cautionary tale for democracies around the world, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and protecting democratic institutions.