Ethnic Federalism and Conflict in Ethiopia: What Lessons Can Other Jurisdictions Draw?

Abstract

Though there is no universally accepted definition to the notion of federalism, for the concept is dynamic and has changed its nature through time, it has become an important instrument to serve diverse and common interests in a given nation, establishing a union to discharge common functions and regional governments to accommodate diverse interests. Federal systems have taken deviating forms in different jurisdictions because they are meant to serve and reflect the prevailing social, political and economic contexts of the respective federations. Hence, there is no ideal or perfect federalism that is suitable for all essentially federal societies: this is why federations adopt different forms of federalism to manage their own unique internal problems. Despite such disparity and lack of consensus on the concept of federalism as a form of government, one still may describe it and make a distinction between federalism, on one hand, and other forms of government, on the other. Malcolm M. Feeley has explained this: