Description
Book SynopsisHaile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia by Nigusie Kassaye W. Michael examines the political history of the last Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I. Michael provides a comprehensive account of the Ethiopian domestic and foreign politics during Haile Selassie's reign, a time when Ethiopia reached the peak of its power. Drawing on Russian and Ethiopian archival sources, this book analyzes Haile Selassie I as not only the final Emperor of Ethiopia but also the founder of centralized Ethiopia with access to the sea. He reigned the country for 58 years, and for 44 years he was at the top of the Empire. But more important than the duration of his rule, the monarch carried out numerous, important reforms that encouraged the country’s development and growth of its international authority. Michael argues that Haile Selassie was the founder of modern Ethiopian diplomacy. In 1974, when the monarch left his palace, Ethiopia was a member of the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the World Health Organization, the International Red Cross, etc. and maintained diplomatic relations with 81 states, 61 of which had embassies and missions in Addis Ababa.
Trade ReviewHaile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia by Nigusie Kassaye W. Michael is one of the most balanced and appreciative views of the Ethiopian history during the emperor's reign. Based on archival sources, as well as on the memories of eyewitnesses, the author tells a multifaceted, unfortunately, tragic story not only of the last emperor of Ethiopia, but also about the internal and external affairs of the country in the 20th century.
-- Konstantin Pantserev Arsenievich
Nigusie Kassaye W. Michael has written the definitive masterpiece on Haile Selassie’s critical position in the opening of Ethiopia and the rest of Africa toward the 20th century. No other leader of the African continent held such a pivotal role as that of Haile Selassie. Professor Michael makes a meticulous examination of the political activities of Emperor Selassie from his emergence as Ras Tafari with a powerful awareness of his place in history. Searching through archives and official documents as well as primary correspondence to and from world leaders, Michael demonstrates the broad historical shoulders of Haile Selassie. This is a monumental work which will have far-reaching significance on all aspects of African history.
-- Molefi Kete Asante, Temple University, author of The History of Africa
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Struggle for The Throne
Chapter 2: On the Eve of The Invasion
Chapter 3: For Sovereign Ethiopia
Chapter 4: In Search for Allies. 1952–1970.
Chapter 5: The Empire’s Systemic Crisis
Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
About the Author
