C) Zimbabwe: Examining the Atmosphere of Renaming

A) In the aftermath of Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, renaming places was part of the decolonization process. This step was taken to echo the country's newfound identity and autonomy and to eradicate the vestiges of colonial rule. For instance, the capital city was renamed Harare from Salisbury and major cities, streets, and buildings were also renamed to honor Zimbabwean heritage and independence heroes. Following the political transition in 2017, a similar trend continued with emphasis on removing names related to the era of Robert Mugabe's rule, and replacing them with those that reflect the new political dispensation, or in tribute to other historical figures and independence heroes. For example, the Harare International Airport was renamed the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in 2017. B) New political regimes change names primarily for symbolic and ideological reasons. It is a way to signal a break from the past and to assert their authority and new direction. Changing names can also be a way to recognize or honour certain individuals, events, or ideals deemed significant by the new regime. It is also used to foster a sense of national unity and identity and to rewrite national narratives or history from the perspective of the new political establishment. Overall, it is used as a political tool to establish and assert the regime's legitimacy, power, and vision for the future.