Political Science

Prof Brook Hailu Beshah, PhD
Adjunct Professor, Scripps School of Journalism
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
Fulbright Specialist Candidate
Former D/ Ambassador to the US & the UN with rank of Minister Plenipotentiary & Special Envoy

Official email:beshah@ohio.edu
Private:brookhailubeshah@gmail.com

Week of January 8 –  Hosted by University of Gondar
Please contact Prof Brook if your university wishes to host the following talks

Topic # 1) The US Under the Trump Administration and Africa: A Mid Election Two-Year Assessment

Ethiopia has been for decades a strategic ally of the US more so in pre-1974 period. The question is the US an Ethiopian ally and vice versa will be explored based on political science parameters and criteria. Cornerstones and elements of Ethio- US geo- strategic relations since 9/11 to now will be assessed. Central theme of the lecture will investigate if there is an African foreign policy under the Trump administration. The change of government in Ethiopia under Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed and its impact on Ethio- US relations would be evaluated.

Topic #2: The Ethio-Eritrean Rapprochement and its Impact on Domestic and Regional Politics in the Horn

In July 2018 after a lull of 20 years rapprochement begun between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Since then on September 11 officially the border was opened for people; commerce and trade. In this lecture the impact on domestic politics for both countries and for regional politics for the Horn of Africa along with pros and cons will be evaluated. How peace; stability; economic progress based on mutual interest and regional integration can be achieved will be discussed. Likely scenarios of the immediate future in the relations between the two countries would be presented.

Topic # 3: The Impact, influence and challenges of Social Media on Ethiopian Politics and National Building

In Ethiopia social media has increasingly become an alternative source of news. In this ‘fourth branch of government’ the competition between public and private media at federal and regional levels will be investigated and evaluated.

The lecture will focus on the impact and influence of Social Media on Ethiopian Politics and nation building. Issues like freedom of the press; right to access of information; duties and rights of citizens to engage in such platforms along with the challenges of responsibility would be discussed. Technology has allowed Ethiopians to communicate instantly; post and acquire information along with the risk of putting out fake news and sowing mistrust in society affecting peace and stability. Recommendations as to how this can be avoided will be presented.