New Wine in Old Bottles: How Ethiopia Keeps Rebranding Power Without Reform

New Wine in Old Bottles: How Ethiopia Keeps Rebranding Power Without Reform

From emperors to generals to ethnic populists, Ethiopia rotates rulers—but not the rules. And for 80 years, the U.S. has supported them all. By Haimanot B. Atinkut, Freelance Contributor I. Introduction: A State That Changes Leaders, Not Systems Ethiopia has experienced revolutions, reforms, and rebrandings—but it has never rebuilt its political foundation. Beneath imperial crowns, revolutionary slogans, and democratic constitutions lies the sam…