1. Introduction: projection, introjection and recognition in international relations; 2. Mugabe vs Blair: the dynamics of projection; 3. Fragmented Zimbabwe; 4. Introjection: imagining the good state; 5. Recognition: Zimbabweans and their neighbours; 6. 2013: Zimbabwe repaired?; 7. Conclusion: fantasy and reality in international relations; 8. Postscript: recognition in research.