Mugabe and Inflation

Not quite the correct phrase here I fear. Talking of the black market and State set prices:

The scene was one of the unforeseen consequences of President Mugabe’s month-long attempt to smash inflation by forcing businesses to halve their prices. Those responsible for enforcing the price cuts are openly running a black market in the goods.

It's not just that it's eminently forseeable: I think it was forseen. Indeed, I think it was not only forseen but was desired. You see, I don't actually think that Mugabe is dim: nor uneducated, nor crazed. I think he's acting entirely rationally with the incentives he has in front of him.

If he loses power he's dead. Thus remaining in power is the only imperative for him. Given the collapse of the economy, the only way he can do that is create opportunities for his trusties to enrich themselves in the rubble of what is left.

The black market, the dealing in it by those with guns: these are not unforseen consequences. They're the point.