Western Powers Suffering from Expectation Crisis on the ‘Post-2018 Reform Process’ in Ethiopia

A fairer understanding about the current state of affairs between Ethiopia and the West, it takes to look back on the matter and recount on what they have expected of Ethiopia from the political reform process began in 2018 and which is an unfinished business as yet. While investigating the matter, the author of the book found it important to recollect from the proceedings of a panel discussion organized by the US Peace Institute in July 2019

The panel discussion was meant to draw inferences on the course the political reform in Ethiopia with a reference point being April 2018 to July 2019. The event was chaired by Mr. Fred Strasser, and the panelists were seasoned US diplomats having rich account on Ethiopian politics:

· John Carson, advisor at the US Peace Institute
· Marc Bass, a US diplomat having presence in Ethiopia as far back as 1991, the time when EPRDF regime took hold of state power
· David Shin- US ambassador to Ethiopia (1996–2000)
· Aurelia Brazeal — US ambassador to Ethiopia (2002–2005)\
· Donald Booth

The discussants evaluated on the matter from political, economic, demographic and socio-cultural elements ascribed to the fabrics of Ethiopian society. As such, the event examined past practices, current realities and draw inferences on what the future shall (will) hold for the reform process to end up in ‘success’

The proceedings of the event is transcribed and documented by Mr. Fred Strasser, editor at US Peace Institute titled ‘In Ethiopia, Former U.S. Diplomats See Promise in Reform’