Ethiopia today stands at one of its most turbulent moments in modern history. The country faces overlapping political, social, and security crises that are deeply connected to how the Ethiopian state was originally formed.
The foundations of the modern state were built through war, conquest, and cultural assimilation. Dominant groups established control over politics, economy, and religion, while others—particularly those in the south, east, and peripheries—were pushed to the margins. This early pattern of inequality created lasting questions about identity, belonging, and ownership of the state.
For generations, the struggle for self-determination, equality, and recognition has shaped Ethiopia’s politics. The imperial monarchy failed to resolve these questions, and the Derg regime that followed continued the same centralized rule. The federal system introduced in the 1990s promised inclusion through ethnic and linguistic federalism, but over time it became heavily centralized and dominated by a single party.
Today, the country faces renewed conflicts in Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, and other regions. These wars reflect not only political competition but also unresolved historical grievances and power imbalances. The federal government’s push toward stronger central control has reignited fears of domination among regional groups.
Two main issues continue to drive conflict across Ethiopia:
- Territorial disputes between regions—often fueled by political manipulation and old border injustices.
- Inequality of power and resources, which leaves many communities feeling excluded from decision-making and development.
Ethiopia’s current turmoil raises fundamental questions:
- Can a country built through coercion find unity through democracy?
- Will genuine recognition of ethnic and regional rights lead to stability or fragmentation?
- How can decades of war be transformed into a foundation for peace?