TABLE OF 

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement
.........................................................................................iAgronomy .............................................................
..........................................v

CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction

1.

Background of the study .................................................................................................12.

Statement of the problem ................................................................................................23.

Research questions ..........................................................................................................34.

Method of the study .........................................................................................................45.

Significance of the study .................................................................................................56.

Objective of the study .....................................................................................................57.

Scope of the study ...........................................................................................................68.

Limitation and delimitation of the study .......................................................................6

CHAPTER TWO

2, Concept of Nationalism
1.1. Background of the study

The post 1989 (end of cold war) period is the era in which communal groups emerged as one ofthe
major actors in politics and identity politics emerged as one of the dominant ideology both inglobal and
domestic politics. Many countries plunged in to devastating civil war in different parts of the world,
predominantly in Eastern Europe and Africa because of ethnicity (Huntington,1995). Clahon (1993)
consolidates the above statement and argues that, the popularity ofnationalism (ethno nationalism)
emanates from the uglier ethnic cleansing in Serbia (Calhoun,).This point tells us that ethno nationalism
is not only the problem of Ethiopia but it is also thereality of contemporary global politics.Ethnic politics
legalized in Ethiopia both by the 1991 charter of Transitional Government ofEthiopia (Merera, 2004:33)
and the 1994 FDRE constitution art.39

(FDRE constitution ,1995)

Thisleads to the proliferation of many ethno nationalistic political parties in the country as well as
theintroduction of ethnic federalism. This development as an anti-thesis to national unity and couldlead
to ethnic conflict. But EPRDF argues that, the consolidation of economic power will ruinthe threat of
ethnic conflict in the country and claims that it is working to achieve theconsolidation of the economic
power (Habtamu: 2009

.Though there is continuing debate on thisissue but it is a matter of fact that the post 1991 ethnic
federal structure have encouragedethnicization of politics as compared to the past regimes (Addis
Zemen, Ginbot 6, 2010).Therecent, as compared to other ethno nationalism in Ethiopia, Amhara
nationalism could be the bestexample.For many commentators and nationalists, force full eviction
,identity targeted based attacks,economic deprivations, and other multi layered problems against the
people of Amharafollowing the institutionalization of ethnic structured federal system in the country
leads to theinception of Amhara nationalism. Although the above mentioned nationalism started in
early1990s but it did not last long because of the death of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, the founder and

the leader of All Amhara People Organization (AAPO), and other factors as Gashaw(2008 E.C)explains.
Following the political unrest in Ethiopia two years back, the Amhara nationalismresurrect from more
than a decade’s hibernation.The Hamle 5, 2008 E.C incident in the north western part of the country
(the city of Gondar) brings new slogans and questions such as “Being Amhara is no crime” and
“Amharaness should be respected” and these slogans could be taken as the whistle to the resurrection o
f Amharanationalism (Aljazeera, October 13,2017).The Amhara nationalism emerges dramatically as one
of the influential nationalism in
Ethiopian politics and it comes up with its own claims. Since its resurrection the political land scape ofEt
hiopia become changing quickly by alarming rate. This change seems very dangerous andfurious
because they might have the power to plunge the country in to devastating crisis if therewill not political
accommodation takes place (Mastewal for Borkena.com, November 10, 2016).The recent conflicts at
different universities and football stadiums of the country which isexacerbated because of ethnicity
could be the signals. Based on different slogans we haveobserved in stadiums by the fan of the Amhara
football clubs which is also the agenda ofAmhara nationalists, it is possible to draw the role of Amhara
nationalism in such activities

1.2. Statement of the problem

For the last two decades and a half Amhara resisted ethnic nationalism in favor of unitedEthiopia.
Because of this strong anti-ethnic nationalism sentiment among the Amhara includingthe elites, the
raised Amhara nationalism in the 1990s fade out easily. Nonetheless since twoyears back this has
changed and Amhara unexpectedly plunged into ethnic nationalism to theextent of organizing new
nationalist political movement in Ethiopia named National Movementof Amhara (NAMA). The question
is why did Amhara nationalism emerge after two and a halfdecades of hibernation?

In this regard, there is no any academic research to excavate this point per the knowledge of
thisresearch. This will inevitably have its own draw back to the politics of the country: As a result,this
study conducted to answer the causations of Amhara nationalism as a primary point. Besidethe
causations, similar problem identify concerning the claims of Amhara nationalism. 

It is undeniable that Amharanationalism becomes one of the emerging political actor inEthiopian
politics. As Huntington, (1962) argues that, unless the ruling political elites adopt andinstitutionalize the
new political force in to the politics, then regimes will not become modernize politically: Rather
devastating end will be their fate. But in ethnically organized structure it mayalso lead to the civil war as
the case of Yugoslavia; if not solved the problem as much as possible.Therefore, the study of the
Amhara nationalism its causes and claims will pave the way to thecreation of peaceful, united and
prosperous Ethiopia. In addition, it will open political discussionwhich is important to eradicate the
political suspicion and unrest among peoples of Ethiopia.Beside it will support the installation and
sustain democratic system in the country. Generally,this study is about quarrying the reasons that leads
to change among the Amhara to ethnicnationalist. It is also pointed out the major demands it needs to
response.

1.

3. Research Questions

The basic questions of this research are1. What factors leads to the emergence of Amhara nationalism
and leads Amhara in to lookingits own ethnic identity while its psychology had built on the bricks of
United Ethiopia?2.Is Amhara nationalism a recent phenomenon or a kind of nationalism which have
years ofhistory that could be traced back?3. What are the competing historiography regarding the
identity of amhara and their narrations?4. What are the major questions that Amhara nationalism
is promoting and demands to acquirein today’s Ethiopian politics?5. What are the peculiar attributed of
Amhara nationalism?6. Which theories of ethnicity ethnic nationalism best explains the emerging
Amharanationalism?

1.

3. Research Questions
 

The basic questions of this research are1. What factors leads to the emergence of Amhara nationalism
and leads Amhara in to lookingits own ethnic identity while its psychology had built on the bricks of
United Ethiopia?2.Is Amhara nationalism a recent phenomenon or a kind of nationalism which have
years ofhistory that could be traced back?3. What are the competing historiography regarding the
identity of amhara and their narrations?4. What are the major questions that Amhara nationalism
is promoting and demands to acquirein today’s Ethiopian politics?5. What are the peculiar attributed of
Amhara nationalism?6. Which theories of ethnicity ethnic nationalism best explains the emerging
Amharanationalism?

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5

1.5. Significance of the study

Studying the causes and major claims of Amhara nationalism has the following significances.Firstly, it
will use as a reference for those who will conduct their research or any documentconcerning Amhara
nationalism. As the influence of the above mentioned nationalism increase,it is inevitable that
academicians and government agencies will focus on studying it as the causeof the request of the
current Prime Minister Dr.Abiy did in his speech to the Amhara scholars inBahir Dar. So this research will
be precursor for the upcoming researches.Secondly, this research will be significant to initiate other
researchers. There is no doubt that thisresearch will end the darkness of fear and will open the third
eyes for the future academician toconduct their research on this circle. So beyond its role as a reference
it will serve as a source ofinitiation and motivation.Lastly, it will be significant for analyzing Ethiopian
politics. Analysis requires deep knowledgeabout the thing that we analyze. Hence anyone who is
interested in analyzing Ethiopian politicsshould invest his time and resource towards searching
everything that determines Ethiopian politics. The Amhara nationalism also should be study as one of
the determinant and growing political force: If not the analysis will be misleading. So this paper will back
analysts.Generally, this paper is significant for different reason: It will serve as the source for
policymakers, politicians, researchers, analysts and anyone who wants to know about
Amharanationalism in any time.

1.6. Objective of the study

1.

6.1 General objective

To excavate the major causes that led to the emergence of Amhara nationalism and to identify itsgrand
claims that demands to answer with its historical background is the general objective ofthis study.

1.6.2 Specific objectives

To spectacle the causes and claims of Amhara nationalismTo show competing perspectives regarding the
origin of Amhara.To examine the origin of ethnic nationalism in Ethiopia and in AmharaTo explain
theories of ethnicity or ethnic nationalism

1.7 Scope of the study

This paper is bounded by studying only the causes and claims of Amhara nationalism. Withinthis frame
work this research also have brief description of the origin of nationalism in Ethiopia,the origin of the
Amhara, the images of Amhara and the genesis of Amhara nationalism withenough and relevant
theoretical back ground of nationalism.This research does not cover the implications, status, its relations
with other ethnic nationalism inEthiopia, groups within Amhara nationalism and other topics because of
lack of time and otherconstraints.

1.8. Limitation and delimitation of the study

1. 8.1, Limitation

While conducting this study there had different visible limitations. Those limitations weresummarized as
follows. Since the topic is not yet familiar in the academic circle there has beenno enough academic
literatures. Not only that, problem to get targeted informants and their unwillingness because of miss
understanding of the goal of this research and suspicion to theresearcher were also another challenge
for this study.Limitation of time because of engaging in other academic activities coupled with the
constraintsof fiancé to collect data moving from place to place and to purchase materials relevant to
thisstudy were also other major challenges to achieve this study. In addition to this, lack of
advancedwriting skill and weak internet connection were also parts of the limitations.

1.8.2 Delimitations

In contrast to the limitations we have explained above this study enjoyed the followingadvantages. To
begin with, even though most of them are not academic researches, but there are plenty of available
written materials that accessed easily at any book shops and libraries inAddis. Further more important
institutions and audio visual recordings that used as the source forthe research are available. The
researcher had also qualified friends who could reduce biases andrelated problems in addition to the
continual guidance from the advisor of this research.

CHAPTER TWO
Concepts of Nationalism

This chapter is deals about the conceptual part of the study and in this section the researcherintroduced
basic concepts of nationalism, ethnicity and ethnic nationalism with relevantreferences. In addition to
that relevant theory that will be used as a frame and instrument ofanalyzing data had selected and
explained in brief.

2.1. Nationalism

Nationalism has certainly been one of the five most powerful ideologies for mobilizing peoplein the
modern world (Heredia, 1997:1013). But defining nationalism is not easy task because ofits differing
application from state to state and most importantly it depends on the terms bywhich a community
defines itself and by what they perceived as ‘national’ (Merera,2003:20 ;Tewodros,2013:4,).Though
there are about 300 definitions for nationalism (Merera ,2003:21), but this research have tried to extract
the most recognized definitions.According to Simpson and Winer (1991:234) nationalism is “a devotion
to one’s nation or its policy of national independence”. This means nation

and national identity are highly correlatedand the nation is the gravity center in which a sort of national
identity is founded (ibid). Nationalism is also “

signifies both an ideological doctrine and a wider symbolic universe and fund of sentiments

" (Smith 1994:725). Similarly, Jafferlot (2003:3) argues that, nationalism is anideology (an-ism). The
difference is while Smith (1994:725) articulated; nationalism as anideology claims the sole source of
political power for the nation and the ultimate loyalty of itscitizens, preferably in their own sovereign
nation-state and the wider 'culture of nationalism’concerned with transcending narrower group loyalties
for the "ideals of autonomy, unity and

Like the concept of nationalism, nation is also “among those terms used to describe not any clear
definable set”(Calhoun,1993:215).But when we see the semantics meaning, it was a derivative of the
Latin verb ‘natio,’ which in itsoriginal usage meant “place of birth or origin” and referred to “a group of
people who believe they are ancestrallyrelated,”(Khon, 1943:120).it “started to gain wider social and
political import with the genesis of the early nation-statesin the 16th and 17th centuries”
(Tewodros,2013:7).

identity" in a larger freer, egalitarian and fraternal whole: But for Jaffrelot (2003:23) it oftenclaims the
control of a nation and/or promotes one’s own ‘superior’ identity against others.Jaffrelot (Ibid)
concludes that, because of the above reason the foundation of nationalism isrooted in Identity politics
and self-determination is the founding values of nationalism.As Hechter (1999:7) noted, nationalism is a
byproduct of modern state formation that

“consistsof a political activity that aims to make the boundaries of the nation-a culturally
distinctivecollectivity aspiring to self-governance coterminous with those of the state”

. Hechter continuous

“Pre modern states ignored nationalism because they were mainly whosegovernance units had frontiers
including culturally distinct groups and thissystem of indirect rule thwarts nationalism. On the contrary
nationalismemerged when technical developments (in terms of communication; mainlydirect rule
possible” (Ibid: 28).

The above mentioned scholar call it

“state building nationalism”

because of the effort to bring

“cultural homogenization”

(Jaffrelot ,2003:7, Hechter, 1999:56, Tewodros, 2013:6).Other sections of the scholars associated
nationalism with ethnicity. To borrow the word ofAregawi (2008:22)

“ethnicity and nationalism are intrinsically related concepts”

. Through timeethnicity might evolve in to nationalism to pursue some form of political agenda. In this
caseSmith, (cited in Eriksen, 2010:10, 121-122) supported the argument of Aregawi (2008:22) and based
on the above argument we can understand that, Ethnicity and nationalism are interrelated.What makes
ethnicity and nationalism different is their political agenda (Cornell and Hartman1998: 37).

2.2. Types of Nationalism

Generally, nationalism has been classified in two broad categories so far. Those are ethnicnationalism
and territorial civic nationalism (Sevenhagen, 1996:3). This grouping is based on thegoal of nationalism:
That is nationalism is either “maker” or “breaker” of the state, though thereare still persistent debates
on its meaning (Merera, 2003: 29).

10

2.2.1 Civic Nationalism

This type of nationalism is aiming at the maintenance of the status quo or creating the nation inwhich
multiple ethnic groups are living together and those peoples are legal members of the
state(Stevenhagen, 1996:3). To make it more elaborated, the primordial features like commonlanguage,
ethnicity, and religion as well as other aspects are not the criteria to being a citizen of amultinational
state but the territory is the point (Eriksen, 1991:263). Merera(2003:30-28)concludes that, there may be
one civic nationalism in a multi ethnic state which comprise all theethnic groups of the state but there
could be two or more ethnic nationalisms competing eachother and/or competing with the civic
nationalism in the same state. In another way,Kedourie(cited by Tewodros,2013:7) explains civic
nationalism as a means to melting pot process and It is a way to create unity within diversity.

2.2.2 Ethnic Nationalism

As the name suggests ethnic nationalism is the amalgamation of two words-‘Ethnic’ and‘Nationalism’.
Before we conceptualize ethnic nationalism we must explain about the meaningsof ethnic and
ethnicity.According to Eriksen,(1993:3) the word ethnic had its roots in the Greek word

‘ethnos’

or

‘ethnikos’

referring to a group characterized by common descent. For Green (2006:2) incontrary, ethnicity is

“originally referring to heathens, pagans or gentiles, it acquired racialcharacteristics in the nineteenth

century

”. But modern main stream English dictionaries defineethnic in a way similar to Eriksen and in contrary
to Green’s definition.Defining ethnicity is a recent coinage and remains mobile term (, Vaughan,
2003:43). ButMerera (2003: 22) came up with the meaning and defined ethnicity as

“It is a political andideological manifestation of an ethnic group which emanates from their feeling of the
separatingidentity and belonging”

. Eriksen (1991:264) on the other hand defined ethnicity in his work‘Ethnicity versus Nationalism’ as the
“social reproduction of basic classificatory differences between categories of people and to aspects of
gain and loss in social interaction”.Ethnicity for anthropologist concerns about the culture at individual
level (Ericksen,1991:263)whereas ethnicity for the sociologists focus on the “politicized culture”. That
means they began o study it when cultural difference become politicized and used as the instrument
and means ofmobilization (Maleševic, 2004:3). Those cultural differences are manifested by the
majoridentity markers such as language, religion, descent etc. (ibid: 4). Barth (1969:13) transcends
theabove point and argues that, ethnicity is developing because of the interactions with
“outside”groups. That means you will develop consciousness about your difference when you
joinedothers who are different from you in culture.As we have introduced and understood the meaning
of ethnic and ethnicity in brief then let us back to the defining ethnic nationalism. Different
scholars have invested their time and resourceto study the concept, type and other related matters of
Ethnic nationalism. Brass (1991:20) forinstance defined ethnic/ethno nationalism as the demands of an
autonomous political recognitionand formal expression by a particular ethnic group and this could be
either within an existingstate or in a state of its own. Heredia (1997:1014) solidifying up Brass’s
description by makingthe developmental hierarchy of ethno nationalism. The above mentioned scholar
articulated that,when

“an ethnic category becomes conscious of its ethnicity, it evolves in to a community”

andwhen such developed community would be politically articulated it will change to ethnonationalism
(ibid).Self-determination

 is the major concept that most scholars used as a reference point toconceptualize ethnic nationalism.
For instance, Allahar (2010:24) defined ethnic nationalism as

“ideological claim, or a movement seeking to make such a claim, of self-determination andsovereignty”

. But defining ethno nationalism from the perspective of self-determination gets astrong critic from
Morriss (2008:11)and discredited for being

“traditional”

 and inability toexplain contemporary ethno nationalism effectively. To use the direct quote from the
abovesource

Self-determination is a fundamental and peremptory principle of international law. It is also included in

charter of league ofnation, united nation and the independence declaration of USA.... politically
speaking self-determination is the notion of self-government of peoples, and that is “no people must be
forced to live under foreign domination or under a constitutional systemwhich it does not agree to” (:9).
one thing that we must to remember is; self-determination means not always secession but itcould be
also internal autonomy. Self-determination classifies as external self-determination -secession and
internal self-determination-autonomy (Rogstad,R. ,O’Neill,L.& Chirco,B.(editors) ,(2015) seeking self-
determination the practical implicationfor Ogaden,Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Workshop Lewis
& Clark Law School. page 9, 1o, 11.

12

“The number of nationalist movements continuing to seek autonomy orindependent statehood is in

decline. Recognizing these substantial changes…a unified group preference and stable group boundaries
no longer provide uswith an adequate examination of the link between nationalism and ethnicidentity”

Morriss

2008;12

The above scholar additionally underlines that ethno nationalism is include different claims
thattranscend beyond self-determination (ibid).
Lefebver (2003: 2) on his side defined Ethnic nationalism as a replacement

“instead of cultural nationalism”

 and

“refers to similar myths and/or bloodlineage”

. He underlines,

“it is worth noting that ethnic nationalism, as allnationalisms, is cultural, but not all cultural nationalisms
are ethnic”

 (Ibid). Toexpand his point ethnic nationalism is the part of the broader cultural nationalismthat
incorporates different types of nationalism based on cultural aspect.

For other section of scholars

“Ethno-nationalism…tended to be associated with minoritiesdissatisfied with their place in an existing

polity, But the phenomenon was much broader thansimply providing recourse for rebellious minorities

” (Guelke,2010:1) He supplemented that,ethno nationalism is as the result of the collapse of Soviet

Union. There are also many scholarswho argue ethno nationalism is synonym to racism but Eriksen
(2010:7) who is one of the prominent scholar on this area rejected the above argument.Generally, by
looking and comparing the competing definitions of different scholars aboutethnic/ethno nationalism
this research would conclude ethno nationalism as the politicalmobilization based on common cultural
aspects and

“only trust those of your own blood”

(Shulman,2002: 554-555).

2.3. Theories of Ethnic Nationalism

For anthropologists and other prominent scholar of nationalism like Gellner, Anderson andSmith,
nationalism is ethnical in character (Eriksen, 2010). But for Calhoun (2000:224) ethnicityis the subset of
ethno nationalism. He states that

“the translation of ethnicity into nationalism is

15

for Myron Weiner it is “genocide by redefinition” (citied in Chandra, 2012: 4) or “the emergenceof a
variety of new forms of ethnic identity which are more adaptable to the surrounding socialand cultural
structures.  These forms represent a reconstruction of  ethnicity viable in a pluralisticsetting” (Green,
2006:18).We can take the following societies as the sample that exhibited the fluctuation of
identity  because  of the  redefinitions of identity.  In Puerto  Rico,  the  majority
of  the  population  changedfrom “negro” or “mulatto” to “white” over fifty years but in Brazil, the
opposite happened --many of those who identified themselves as “white” or “black” switched to calling
themselves“brown.”.  The result was the transformation  of Brazil  from a  white to a  non-white
majoritynation in thirty years (Ibid).In the case of Sri Lanka in which many of those who had hitherto
called themselves “Kandyan”and “Low Country” abandoned these regional identities to unite in a
cohesive “Sinhala” identity.The result was the transformation of Sri Lanka’s multipolar ethnic
demography into a bipolarone (Ibid:5).So the aforementioned cases show us that ethnicity is construct
able and deconstruct able.Chandra (2012:6) describes, Individual’s redefine and change their identity can
be a product ofthe very political and economic phenomena that they are used to explain. Therefore, it is
obviousthat Ethno nationalism for constructivist is constructed to the mobilization of a particular
ethnicgroup against political and economic deprivations.They also maintain Ethnic nationalism would
create by the structural change in the existingsystem especially after the beginning of industrial
revolution; not only that it can sociallyconstructed and reconstructed by internal forces (actions taken by
ethnic groups themselves suchas redefinition, and reconstruction of ethnic boundaries) but also external
forces (i.e. social,economic and political process and outsiders) (Yang, 2000:45).

2.3.3, Instrumentalism

Instrumentalism is the third theories of ethnicity and ethno nationalism which argues ethnicidentity Is
created by elites as instrument to get political or other benefits by being the memberof that particular
ethnic groups (Mesganaw, 2018:29). As Yang (2000:46) explains,

“unlike the

16

  primoridalist  and  the  constructivist,  instrumentalism  views  ethnicity  as  an  instrument  orstrategic tool
to gain resource”

. For this theory ethnicity use since it generates important  benefits  for  you.  Patterson  (cited  in

Yang, 2000: 47

) explains that

“the strength, scope, viabilityand base of ethnic identity are determined by and used to serve the
economic and general classinterests of the individuals”

. Yang wrote three variants of instrumentalism and the first variant isextreme instrumentalism which
articulates that,

“the only reason to acquisition and retain ofethnic membership or identity is by wanting to obtain
comparative advantage”

  (ibid). Thestatement of Patterson could be best example of this extreme instrumentalist version. The
secondversion is moderate instrumentalist, which combines advantages of ethnicity with affective
ties.Daniel(cited in Yang,2000:48) stated

“ethnicity has become more salient because it can combinean interest an affective tie”

.The third variant of instrumentalism is rational choice. According to this version ethnicity is anoption. In
the word of Yang (2000:47)“
People choose one ethnicity over another or avoid association with ethnicground because of the utility or
cost or such affiliation. Some people favor anethnic affiliation because it is beneficial, while other people
hide or deny anethnic identity because it brings disadvantage”

  Generally speaking, for the instrumentalist, nationalism emerges for the purpose of instrument
toachieve certain goals by using ethnic identity as instrument by the ethnic entrepreneurs.

2.4, Theoretical Frame of this  Research

In the study of ethnicity and nationalism, scholars are advice to the researcher to apply
theamalgamation of the three or two of them. For instance, Yang (2000: 48) recommended not torely on
a single school of thought rather to combine them because. This is because three of themhave their own
limitations and strengths. The intention is to cope up the errors of analysis duringthe time of research as
a result of the reliance on a single theory; and the presence of one willused to cover the gap of the other.
This study however selected one theory from the three thatused to explains best rather than mixing up of
theories. Regarding Amhara nationalism Mesganaw Andualem in his recently published book argues
that,Amhara nationalism has existed for a long century with the existence of the Amhara
people(Mesganaw, 2010:30). On the other hand, for this study, Amhara nationalism is a reactionary
andconstructed nationalism that have some primordial aspects of nationalism such as commonculture,
language memories etc. To make it more elaborated, the ethnic identity of Amhara hasstrong primordial
identity markers (Mesganaw, 2010:29)but the existence of those primordialmarkers will not make
Amhara nationalism preexisting ethno nationalism. Rather the primordialaspects of Amhara were highly
eroding because of the scarifications of its ethnic identity for thenational identity (Andargachew, 1985
E.C: 23) before the rise of Amhara nationalism in the post1991.So Amhara nationalism is the
construction of other repulsive factors, we will see in the fourthchapter of this research, than of
predominantly primordial. Its reactionary character by itself tellsus that it is constructed because of the
influence of external forces and against that force. Hencethe analysis of this research is based on the
frame work of constructivist theory.Instrumentalism is less significant to the analysis of this research
because

“Amhara is Ostracized  from the socio-economic and political life of  the country”

  and being Amhara itself is not a goodthing a in the current Ethiopia (Mastewal for Borkena.com,
November 10, 2016).

18

CHAPTER THREEBackground of Amhara and Amhara Nationalism

Amhara nationalism is one of the multiples of ethno nationalisms in Ethiopia. Because of

this  before  we  are  studying  this  nationalism  we  should  briefly  discuss  the  genesis  of  ethnicnationalis
m in Ethiopian politics which is the broader spectrum of history that is important totrace the roots of
Amhara nationalism too. This chapter generally deals about the background ofnationalism in Ethiopia
and in the Amhara including the competing historiography regarding theorigin and identity of the
Amhara.

 
3.1. The Genesis of Ethno-nationalism in Ethiopia

To write about the genesis of ethno nationalism in the case of Ethiopia is very problematic
andchallenging. This is because of the absence of common ground among the scholars. As a result,this
study obliged to refer different written materials associated with the same matter and basedon that
sources, it tried to classify the development of ethnic nationalism in Ethiopia. Prior toexplain the stages
and the development of ethnic nationalism let us see two points.First and for most Merera (2001:73),
claims that

“ethnic nationalism in Ethiopian context wasengendered…in a century of political, economic and

sociocultural dominations of the Amharaelite over the multitude of other ethnic group constituting the
Ethiopian empire state”.

  Inaddition, he articulated that, although ethnic nationalism in Ethiopia begun by Amhara elites butit has

“shaped by the collective action of those marginalized groups in 1960s and 1970”

.Moreover, he claims that, the first ethnic nationalism was the Eritrean nationalism with theinception of
the EPLF in the 1960 following the bring to an end of federation between Ethiopiaand Eritrea
(ibid,2003:74).Secondly, Markakis (2011:143) in contrast to Merera, asserts that the rise of the
ethnicnationalism in Ethiopia was in 1940s. For him Somali nationalism (Somali national League,SNL)
which emerged in 1940s is the first ethno nationalism in Ethiopia. The Somali NationalLeague were
mainly organized by the assistance of British, the then influential force in Ethiopia,
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