Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with roots in ancient kingdoms, early Christianity, and imperial statehood. Unlike most of Africa, it largely resisted long-term European colonization, preserving indigenous institutions and identity. Modern Ethiopia’s history includes imperial reform, revolution, authoritarian socialism, and ethnic federalism. Its story challenges simplified narratives of African history and highlights religion, geography, and state continuity as enduring forces.

1. 1 Ethiopia’s political evolution affects Horn of Africa stability.
2. 2 Ethnic federalism raises fundamental questions of governance.
3. 3 Religious history shapes national identity and legitimacy.
4. 4 Development and conflict intersect in global geopolitics.
5. 5 Its long continuity offers a rare comparative case.