Revolutionary Socialist Development in Ethiopia

Despite a persistent reluctance on the part of Western Marxists to regard Ethiopia as a case of ‘genuine’ revolutionary socialist development, the author argues that Ethiopia must be seen as a classic revolutionary socialist state, that the Ethiopian government hes committed itself to a Marxist-Leninist development strategy and political structure, both of which have been pursued with consistency and determination, and that the outcome provides a striking example of the ‘problems in the transition to socialism’ in Africa. The author outlines the main lines of revolutionary development policy in Ethiopia and the uotcomes to which it has led in the following sections: socialism in Ethiopia – a periodisation of the revolutionary regime – the external economy – urban and industrial policy – agriculture – conclusion. Notes, ref.