Browsing by Author "Gebremariam, Hailay"

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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.