Treffer: A ‘Python model’ of nation-building in Ethiopia until 1991: its legacy and ongoing challenges to ethnocultural diversity, peace, and development.

This article examines Ethiopia’s nation-building process up to 1991 and its lasting impact on diversity, peace, and development. It explores the historical context and its implications for social cohesion, political stability, and sociopolitical development. By employing a descriptive research design and qualitative approach, primary data were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), which were subsequently translated, transcribed, and thematized. Additionally, secondary data were analyzed. Thematic analysis was utilized, leading to the development of a Python model that illustrates Ethiopia’s nation-building trajectory and the challenges related to ethnocultural diversity since the establishment of the empire in the late 19th century. The findings indicate that successive imperial and socialist regimes prioritized centralization and homogenization, often at the expense of ethnocultural diversity. These policies resulted in tensions, marginalization, and resistance, shaping Ethiopia’s sociopolitical landscape. The fall of the Derg regime in 1991 ushered in ethnic federalism; however, many challenges rooted in past nation-building strategies continue to persist. By critically analyzing historical and contemporary challenges, this study underscores the need for inclusive and sustainable nation-building approaches. Emphasizing Ethiopia’s rich diversity while promoting peace and development is crucial for fostering long-term stability and national cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]