With more than 100 million people, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most important and populous countries. It’s also unusual: Ethiopia is Africa’s only explicitly ethnically federal state. But amid opening political space and historic national reforms, this model of federalism is coming under strain and the country’s broader national stability is being tested. How ethnic federalism endures, or is discarded, will be a critical question for the future peace and prosperity of the country.

Speakers:Alemayehu Weldemariam

Dr. Yohannes GedamuLecturer, Political Science, Georgia Gwinnett College

Dr. Daniel MainsAssociate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies, Oklahoma University

Aly Verjee, moderatorSenior Advisor, Africa Program, U.S. Institute of Peace