Retrogressive Adaptation and the Erosion of Protest in Authoritarian Regimes: Lessons from Zimbabwe

Abstract This article introduces and develops the concept of ‘retrogressive adaption’ – a theoretical framework that explains why populations under authoritarian regimes often exhibit political passivity despite severe deprivation and repression. Retrogressive adaptation describes the process by which individuals and communities, faced with deteriorating standards of living and systemic oppression, adapt through alternative survival strategies that ultimately reinforce the status quo rather than challenge it. The theory is applied to the case of Zimbabwe, where economic decline and political repression have led citizens to rely on informal survival mechanisms. This adaptive behaviour, while essential for daily survival, paradoxically reduces the likelihood of collective resistance and maintains authoritarian control. The findings suggest that traditional models linking deprivation directly to protest may overlook the complex dynamics of adaptation in repressive environments.