IPSS Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing IPSS Theses and Dissertations by Author "Gebremichael, Mesfin (PhD)"

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    The Implications of Reconstructing Identities for Nation- Building in Newly Formed States-The Case of Eritrea
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Gebremariam, Hailay; Gebremichael, Mesfin (PhD)
    The pith point of this study is examining the implications of reconstructing identity with regard to history and culture on the Eritrean people and, with relation to Ethiopian and the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa. Building strong national identity is not a harmful act per se. If anything, having similar cultural values, historical agreements and believing in common social destiny are among the basics to create firm democratic and political principles. However, all nationalist ideologies do not fit for all. It has been discussed that the process making of the Eritrean nation have resulted in serious troubles inside and outside the state. The researcher has used qualitative research method in order to gather data for the study. Eritrean citizens who live in Addis Ababa are used as main informants. Some Eritrean (Eritrean-born) and Ethiopian scholars are also included in the process of data collection. The primary data is enriched by certain secondary resources. By using inductive approach, all gathered data are analyzed and discussed. For the sake of forging unique and strong national identity, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) now known as Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), has been reshaping some historical and cultural features of the Eritrean people. Some historical events and cultural aspects which could be used as a reference to the long lasted connection of Eritrean and Ethiopian people are becoming the victims of abuse and distortion. Thus, this thesis gives analysis on the implications of such processes. It investigates the troubles that are instigated on the people of Eritrea and their relation with the Ethiopians. It then examines the effects on the peace and stability of the Horn Africa. The ‘differentiation’ and ‘prioritizing the political culture’ methods are being widely used as instruments of making unique Eritrean national identity. As the result, some aspects of history and culture are tailored. Many historical and cultural ties with Ethiopians are glossed over or replaced by other new ones which vindicate the formation of national identity. This makeover has brought many implications on the people about which this thesis discusses.
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    Regulating Proliferation And Misuse Of Small Arms In Eastern Gojjam Zone Of Amhara Regional State
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Tenaw , Aemro; Gebremichael, Mesfin (PhD)
    Proliferation of small arms and light weapons is one of the serious human security and development challenges for communities in the world whether in the time of peace or conflict/war. Despite various international, regional & sub-regional and national approaches formulated to regulate proliferation of small arms and light weapons, they have faced implementation challenges. In addition, many states still lack national legislation to regulate small arms problem. The central objective of the study is to assess the reasons for possession and misuse of small arms and legal and institutional policies in the study area. The study was basically qualitative case study using both primary and secondary sources of data. The sampling technique was nonrandom sampling technique which includes convenience, snowball and purposive sampling. Accordingly, the data were collected through in-depth interview with key informants and informants as well as illegal brokers, and focus group discussion organized from elders. Document analysis was also used as a source of data. The study has revealed that even though the exact number of small arms is unknown, the magnitude or number of small arms possessed and circulated in East Gojjam Zone is high. This has negative implication to human safety and security. According to the findings of the study, the major reasons for possession and misuse of small arms are: cultural (pride, revenge and emotional music and poetry), easy availability and brokering, security dilemma, alcohol and lack of skills to manage guns. In addition, the findings show that the legal mechanism is not enough to regulate proliferation and miss use of small arms in the study area. As central territory of the country it is expected that the government should take strong and effective measures to control small arms problem. But, in practice, there are no much concrete actions to regulate small arms problem. Therefore, adoption, sensitization and implementation of the law as well as continuous awareness raising and education to bring attitude change towards possession of small arms and some harmful cultures is required to monitor small arms in the study area.