OROMIA AND ETHIOPIA: State Formation and Ethnonational Conflict 1868 - 2004

In "Oromia and Ethiopia: State Formation and Ethnonational Conflict 1868-2004," Asafa Jalata explores the historical and political dynamics between the Oromo people and the Ethiopian state. Jalata traces the incorporation of Oromia into the Ethiopian Empire in the late 19th century, highlighting the subsequent marginalization and oppression of the Oromo. He examines the impact of Ethiopian state policies on Oromo society, culture, and economy, and how these have fueled ethnonational conflict. Jalata discusses the rise of Oromo resistance movements, their struggle for self-determination, and the broader implications for Ethiopian state formation. He critically analyzes the role of imperial and modern Ethiopian regimes in perpetuating ethnic inequalities and conflict. Through a detailed historical account and sociopolitical analysis, Jalata provides insights into the complexities of Oromo nationalism and the challenges of achieving peace and democracy in Ethiopia.