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Examining the nature of defensively situated politics of difference, identity and essentialism in Ethiopia: A critical engagement

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  • Jeylan Wolyie Hussein

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of and challenges to various dimensions of defensively situated essentialisms about nation, people and identities in Ethiopia, examining the political, social and ideological underpinnings of essentialist perceptions and assessing their limitations. The author’s central argument is that limitations in essentialist positions and perspectives held about the meaning of nation, state and ethnic identity can be improved if a more context-sensitive and critical approach is adopted. The paper concludes with suggestions on what can and should be done to prevent essentialism and other totalizing logics from extending into the matrix of intellectual analyses of identities.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeylan Wolyie Hussein, 2016. "Examining the nature of defensively situated politics of difference, identity and essentialism in Ethiopia: A critical engagement," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 340-354, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:intare:v:19:y:2016:i:4:p:340-354
    DOI: 10.1177/2233865916666763
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tobias Hagmann & Alemmaya Mulugeta, 2008. "Pastoral conflicts and state-building in the Ethiopian lowlands," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 43(1), pages 19-38.
    2. Dereje Feyissa, 2011. "The political economy of salt in the Afar Regional State in northeast Ethiopia," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(127), pages 7-21, March.
    3. Boku Tache & Gufu Oba, 2009. "Policy-driven Inter-ethnic Conflicts in Southern Ethiopia," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(121), pages 409-426, September.
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