Human Development Optimism and Political Pitfalls in Ethiopia

Abstract

Guided by a freedom-based assessment of human development, this paper questions the compatibility of knowledge economy optimism and the authoritarian political order that prevailed in Ethiopia since the mid-2000s. It shows how the knowledge economy discourse has played a positive role in widening access to higher education; briefly summarizes assumptions of the ‘developmental state’ orientation endorsed by the ruling elite; and explains why the repressive political order has undermined the nation’s human development agenda. Synthesizing empirical policy accounts and normative arguments, the paper highlights intricate relationships between knowledge, freedom and development. It concludes that both the neoliberal vision of freedom and the developmental state account of democracy do not fully appreciate the importance of substantive freedom as an essence of a democratic political order.

Keywords:

• Ethiopia
• developmental state
• freedom
• human development
• knowledge economy
• higher education
• development policy

Notes on contributor

Tebeje Molla is a postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Education, Deakin University. His research focuses on education policy analysis, educational inequality and policy responses, and teacher professional learning. Theoretically his work is informed by critical sociology and a capability approach to social justice and human development.

ORCID

Tebeje Molla http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6848-3091

Notes

1 Putting aside what Alex de Waal thinks about the originality of Meles’s theory and practice of development, it is evident that the ‘developmental state’ narrative has been adapted from Lee’s book. See the debate between Alex de Waal and René Lefort on this point on African Affairs.

2 The concept has also been mainstreamed into the public discourse through the Party’s ideological publication named Addis Ra’ey [New Vision] and state-controlled media.