For more than a decade, reforms designed to liberalise Ethiopia's economy, decentralise its state, and democratise its politics have sought to reverse a history of centralised autocracy and violent political conflict. Despite important advances, the capacity and the freedom of action of civil society and political opposition remain limited. The current period is critical in terms both of political stability and pluralism, and of pro-poor socio-economic development in Ethiopia. The study advocates an analysis of power that takes account of the political culture, knowledge, and beliefs of Ethiopia's diverse citizens. The authors argue that involving all Ethiopians in decisions affecting their lives is one of the most significant challenges to socio-political transformation. - from Amzon