Eurasian Empires as Blueprints for Ethiopia: From Ethnolinguistic Nation-State to Multiethnic Federation

This book explores the global history of the transfer of political ideas, focusing on the case of modern Ethiopia. Unlike many postcolonial polities, Ethiopia never successfully colonized, allowing its ruling elite to choose a modern Western model of statehood. In 1931, Ethiopia adopted a unitary, ethnolinguistically homogenous nation-state model, which was copied from the German Empire in 1889. Following the Ethiopian Revolution (1974), the new revolutionary elite introduced the Soviet model of ethnolinguistic federalism in 1992 and officially with the 1995 Constitution. The tension between these two opposed models of statehood remains a defining feature of modern Ethiopian politics. The book will be of interest to scholars of Ethiopian and African history and politics, as well as comparative studies on different models of national statehood.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of global history, shedding light on the profound exchange of political ideas that has shaped the course of nations. As a testament to this, we examine the remarkable case of modern Ethiopia, a nation that, like many non-European states, embarked on a journey toward statehood. Unlike its postcolonial counterparts, Ethiopia successfully resisted colonization, granting its ruling elite the freedom to choose a model of modern statehood that resonated with its unique identity. In 1931, Ethiopia took a significant step forward by adopting a unitary, ethnolinguistically homogenous nation-state model, which was later replicated by Tokyo in 1889, drawing inspiration from the German Empire, founded in 1871.

However, the winds of change blew with the Ethiopian Revolution (1974), which toppled the imperial system and ushered in a new era of political transformation. The revolutionary elite, driven by the ideals of Marxism-Leninism, pledged to address the pressing "nationality question" through the lens of the marxist-leninist model. This led to the introduction of the Soviet model of ethnolinguistic federalism in Ethiopia, initially in 1992 and officially enshrined in the 1995 Constitution.

To this day, the politics of modern Ethiopia continue to be shaped by the interplay between these two contrasting models of statehood. The late 19th-century "German-German quarrel on the 'proper model of national statehood for Germany – or more broadly, modern central Europe – remains the quarrel of Ethiopian politics nowadays." This book holds immense value for scholars of Ethiopian and African history and politics, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the complex dynamics of nation-building and the evolution of political ideologies. Moreover, it serves as a valuable case study in comparative studies, shedding light on the diverse models of national statehood that have emerged across the world.

In conclusion, this book is a testament to the power of ideas and the enduring impact of historical events on the shaping of nations. Through the lens of modern Ethiopia, it provides a profound exploration of the global history of political ideas, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between identity, colonization, and statehood. It is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the world and the diverse tapestry of human experiences.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367744809