Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is clearly one of the most important countries in Africa. First of all, with about 75 million people, it is the third most populous country in Africa. Second, it is very strategically located, in the Horn of Africa and bordering Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia, with some of whom it has touchy and sometimes worse relations. Yet, its capital – Addis Ababa – is the headquarters of the African Union, the prime meeting place for Africa’s leaders. So, if things went poorly in Ethiopia, this would not be good for Africa, and for a long time this was the case, with internal disruption rife, until it was literally suppressed under the strong rule of the recently deceased Meles Zenawi.The Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia, Second Edition covers the history of Ethiopia through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has several hundred cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Ethiopia.

About the Author

David H. Shinn served in the American Foreign service for 37 years, many of them dealing with the Horn of Africa. He was the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia from 1996 to 1999. More recently he was teaching at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Thomas P. Ofcansky has held a number of academic and government positions, most recently with the Bureau of Intelligence and Research Africa Division at the U.S. Department of State. He also co-authored the Historical Dictionary of Kenya and the Historical Dictionary of Tanzania.