Understanding Contemporary Ethiopia: Monarchy, Revolution and the Legacy of Meles Zenawi

by Gérard Prunier, Eloi Ficquet

When we think of Ethiopia we tend to think in Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, the Falasha Jews, the epic reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Communist Revolution, famine and civil war. Among the countries of Africa it has a high profile yet is poorly known. How- ever all cliches contain within them a kernel of truth, and occlude much more. Today's Ethiopia (and its painfully liberated sister state of Eritrea) are largely obscured by these mythical views and a secondary literature that is partial or propagandist. Moreover there have been few attempts to offer readers a comprehensive overview of the country's recent history, politics and culture that goes beyond the usual guidebook fare. Understanding Contemporary Ethiopia seeks to do just that, presenting a measured, detailed and systematic analysis of the main features of this unique country, now building on the foundations of a magical and tumultuous past as it struggles to emerge in the modern world on its own terms.

Genres: Africa, Ethiopia, History, Politics, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encyclopedic academic effort and one that is absolutely worthwhile reading. While it took me a whole seven months to finish, the details provided satisfied my utmost curiosities on the country; questions I was left with about Ethiopia were for example: 1) how come so many families have mixed religious affiliations 2) what is the situation with rentals and real estate in general 3) what justifies the myth of Meles Zenawi 4) why cant I travel to Eritrea from Addis 5) when were Ethiopian boundaries created 6) why is it that this amazingly historic country is only just becoming known (again); and, lastly, what is at the basis of Ethiopian pride and nationalism? This book answered all and many more questions and curiosities, as well as framing the political, economic and social issues within a historical context. I particularly appreciated the chapters on the various peoples of the country, the Tewahedo Church, the description of the conflict with Eritrea, the development of Addis and the politics of the nation (including the diaspora). An excellent book for anyone who is interested in Ethiopia and its people.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess that I haven't read every essay within the book (my research purposes require a good chunk, but not everything), but this is a pretty good collection of academic essays on a variety of topics making sense of Ethiopia entering the 2010s. Definitely a worthwhile read if Ethiopian politics, history, religion, international affairs, etc is of interest to you.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very useful over-view of Ethiopia's recent history and the forces that shaped the current reform process and liberalisation of Ethiopian politics.