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Whether by design or simply through pragmatic response, Haile Selassie transformed Ethiopia, during his 58 years of rule, from a primitive feudal empire to an incipient modern state. He consolidated central power by depriving regional rulers of their traditional autonomy; no more were they allowed to be kings, only, at most, great servants of the state. He created a standing national army, where before there had been only feudal levies, and a modern governmental structure. Under his rule institutions of higher learning were founded and the basis was laid for mass education. Policies and programs for encouraging economic development were launched. The Emperor's diplomacy made Ethiopia an active and respected player in African and even in world affairs. To a degree, the seeds of his own downfall were embedded in each of these measures, though it is hard to see how he could have hoped to survive nearly so long as he did if he had not taken them. In the end, the political, social and economic system that he brought into being was destroyed because its creator outlived his ability to carry on the task and, like many autocrats, failed to make adequate arrangements for his succession. (it) |
