Opinion: Breaking Ethiopia’s Cycle of Perceived Cultural Dominance

This opinion piece argues that Ethiopia’s recurring political crisis is deeply rooted in perceptions of cultural and political dominance. The author traces this cycle from the imperial era through the Derg regime, ethnic federalism, and the post-2018 transition, asserting that leadership changes have failed to address core power struggles. By linking state power directly to ethnic identity, political competition is transformed into an existential threat for various groups. The author concludes that Ethiopia requires a new national settlement where no single group feels the need to dominate to ensure its own security, representation, and respect.