Greater Ethiopia: The Evolution of a Multiethnic Society

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Summary: "Greater Ethiopia" by Donald N. Levine: New Perspective
Review: Donald N. Levine's classic work on the social evolution and integration of the many ethnic groups that make up Ethiopia has been a must reading for all sociologists and those concrned with economic and social development in Africa and elsewhere since the book was first publilshed by the University of Chicago almost 25 years ago. The author has now (year 2000) updated his work with the addition of a new and comprehensive introduction that incorporates recent developments that have occured in Ethiopian society and culture since the book was published. The book has just been translated into Ethiopia's official language, Amharic, testifying to the importance and relevance of the work, in spite of the major transformation, including a revolution, that the country has gone through. The book provides new perspectives and fresh analyses on multi-ethnic societies, and is highly recommended to all who wish to understand the interplay among sub-groups, whether ethnic or otherwise, in today's conflict-ridden societies of Africa, Asia and even central Europe.