Vol. I, No. I
Summer/Fall 2003
ISSN: 1543-4133

International Journal of Ethiopian Studies (IJES) is an interdisciplinary, refereed journal dedicated to scholarly research relevant to or informed by the Ethiopian experience. IJES publishes two issues a year of original work in English and/or Amharic to readers around the world.

CONTENT:

Are We Misreading Our History?
Dr. Mesay Kebede argues that Ethiopian Studies has distorted an accurate understanding of Ethiopian history by casting it in a Eurocentric light.

Which Way for Ethiopian Youth?
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia David Shinn suggests that there is a burgeoning “exit generation” in Ethiopia, which presents significant challenges to the country’s future development.

Did the Armenians Borrow the Ethiopic Alphabet?
The remarkable similarity of the Ethiopic and Armenian characters has led Dr. Ayele Bekeri to theorize that Armenians may have been beneficiaries of the Axumite Civilization.

How Can We Reduce Poverty in Ethiopia?
Dr. Sisay Asefa argues Ethiopia must adopt a multi-pronged agricultural strategy.

Did Ethiopians Emigrate to India to Guard Indian Princes?
Dr. Astair Mengesha provides a remarkable description of the Habshis (Habashas) who served as highly regarded bodyguards to the Indian Maharajas (princes) from the early 1600s to the 1920s.

Is the Free Press Facing Extinction in Ethiopia?
Constitutional lawyer and professor Alemayehu G. Mariam provides a critical analysis of the draft Ethiopian press proclamation.

How Can We Save Our African Literary Traditions?
Author Chris Abani proposes “linguistic archaeology” to rescue African proto-literary traditions from obscurity.

Was Oklahoma OK for Emperor Haile Sellasie?
Professor Theodore Vestal argues that the Emperor’s visit to Oklahoma A & M University marked the starting point in modern agricultural education in Ethiopia.

What Was the British Elites’ Reaction to the Italian Aggression in Ethiopia?
Professor Pankhurst examines the character and scope of Pro- and Anti-Ethiopian pamphleteering in Britain, as well as the diverse ideas and arguments articulated on both sides.

Is Meles Zenawi’s Government a Failure?
Dr. Daniel Kindie argues that the present government’s Kilil policy is responsible for the upsurge in ethnic nationalism and division in Ethiopia.