Shuffling the deck or steps towards democracy? Understanding political developments in Ethiopia

07.03.2018 09:30 - English

Lovise Aalen (CMI) and Michael Alvarez (UiB) in conversation with Svein-Erik Helle (CMI/UiB).


Shuffling the deck or steps towards democracy? Understanding political developments in Ethiopia

All parties and all regimes consist of factions. In authortiarian regimes, keeping the factions happy and avvoiding defections is critical for the survival of the regime. The ruling EPRDF regime in Ethiopia has faced both widespread factional infighting and public protest over the past few years. This recently culminated with current prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn handing in his resignation, sparking widespread speculation about who would succeed him. In this ‘Breakfast for Democracy’ we will discuss what is driving these events, how the current infighting within the EPRDF affect and are affected by the popular protests, and whether this should be seen as just another shuffling of the authoritarian deck or a step towards democracy in Ethiopia.

Lovise Aalen (CMI) and Michael Alvarez (UiB) in conversation with Svein-Erik Helle (CMI/UiB).

Coffee and croissants will be served!

Photo: United Nations / Bo Li.

Breakfasts for Democracy (#bffDemocracy)

Democratic institutions and human rights are increasingly under pressure in both the developed and the developing world. In this breakfast seminar series, we will discuss current events in light of our current knowledge of the politics of processes of democratization and autocratization. Through conversations with scholars engaged in ongoing research on the topic, the seminar series will provide new and research-based insights on current events in the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights.

Breakfast hosts: Svein-Erik Helle and Lisa-Marie Selvik

“Breakfasts for Democracy» is organised through the joint CMI/UiB research project ‘Breaking BAD: Understanding the Backlash Against Democracy in Africa’, in collaboration with Bergen Resource Center and Centre for Law and Social Transformation.

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Event info.

Bergen Global
Jekteviksbakken 31, Bergen

07.03.2018
09:30
English
Add to calendar 07.03.2018, 07.03.2018

Bergen Global is a joint initiative between the University of Bergen and Chr. Michelsen Institute that addresses global challenges.