"Well in the end the world can crank itself up to sanctions, as it has with Zimbabwe, another sad case"

This quote by Helen Clark is describing the global neighborhood's action to the scenario in Zimbabwe. She is suggesting that the world can do something about it versus Zimbabwe, as it has carried out in the past, by enforcing sanctions. This is a referral to the financial sanctions that were imposed on Zimbabwe in 2002 by the United States, the European Union, and other nations in action to the federal government's human rights abuses and economic mismanagement. Clark is implying that the world can take similar action against Zimbabwe in the future if the situation does not enhance. She is likewise expressing sadness at the present state of affairs in Zimbabwe, suggesting that the scenario is dire and needs to be attended to. This quote highlights the importance of the international neighborhood taking action to attend to human rights abuses and economic mismanagement in countries like Zimbabwe.