Civil Society Research Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF THE SOVIET-COMMUNIST IDEOLOGICAL HERITAGE ON THE CIVILIZATIONAL CHOICE OF UKRAINE IN THE 1990 S

The article analyzes the influence of the Soviet-communist ideological legacy on the civilizational choice of Ukraine in the 1990s, a period when the country was undergoing transformation after gaining independence. The author considers how Soviet values, traditions and socio-economic models influenced the formation of new political and cultural identities. Key aspects are examined, in particular, the preservation of elements of the Soviet system in governance, economy and public life, as well as their impact on public consciousness. The preservation of elements of the Soviet system in the governance of Ukraine in the 1990s was a noticeable phenomenon that had a significant impact on thepolitical and socio-economic development of the country after gaining independence. Many former Soviet officials remained in their positions, which led to the preservation of old management practices. This included centralized management, bureaucracy and lack of transparency in decision-making.The article also focuses on the conflict between the desire for European integration and attempts to preserve Soviet traditions. In Ukraine, there was a constant conflict between the desire for European integration and attempts to preserve Soviet traditions. This conflict was manifested in political movements, social protests and the general discourse on national identity. The article highlights the challenges faced by the Ukrainian state in the process of forming a new identity, as well as the role of civil society in overcoming the legacy of the past. Civil society in Ukraine in the 1990s played an important role in overcoming the legacy of the Soviet past and shaping a new political, social andeconomic reality. Various cultural, educational and outreach organizations actively worked to popularize the Ukrainian language, culture and history. Thus, civil society in Ukraine in the 1990s became an important factor in overcoming the Soviet legacy, contributing to the development of democracy, human rights and social justice. His activity and influence left a noticeable mark on the formation of modernUkrainian statehood.In the 1990s, Ukraine was experiencing a period of profound transformations, accompanied by the search for a new identity after gaining independence. The role of culture in this process was extremely important, since it became one of the main tools for forming national consciousness and overcoming the ideological legacy of the Soviet past. An important aspect of the cultural process was the critical understanding of the Soviet legacy. Cultural figures began to speak openly about repression, censorship and other negative aspects of the Soviet period. This allowed society to realize the traumas of the past and begin to overcome them.Special attention was paid to the public space of Ukraine. The public space of Ukraine in the 1990s was the scene of significant changes and transformations, reflecting the political, social and cultural transformations in the country after gaining independence in 1991.The conclusions of the article emphasize the importance of awareness of the heritage of the past for the successful development of modern Ukraine and its European integration.

Partnerships for Sustainable Development: a Quintuple Helix Framework for Research, Innovation, and Extension in Philippine State Universities

Objectives: This study investigates the potential use of the Quintuple Helix Model in strengthening Research, Innovation and Extension (RIE) functions among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. It assesses the dynamics between SUCs, the government, industry, and civil society, as well as the natural environment. Method: This study conducts a systematic review of literature and government reports: data from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and publications of various key agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) are analyzed. Patterns, gaps and opportunities based on Quintuple Helix were coded using thematic and content analysis. Results and Discussion: SUCs are identified as central to knowledge generation and transformation of society, but their potential is dependent on three interlinked factors; inadequate infrastructures, limited funding and fragmented policies. Theoretical collaborations, from technology transfer processes to community engagement efforts, shed light on the potential of partnerships across different sectors manifested as experimental projects, though persistent challenges present as intellectual property troubles or misaligned interests often hinder successful cooperation. Research Implications: The research highlights the need for coordinated investments in infrastructure, skills and governance reforms. Public-private Partnerships and inter-disciplinary research are then recommended to maximize SUCs contribution to sustainable development. Originality/Value: This study presents a corroborated discourse on the application of the Quintuple Helix Model in the Philippine context of SUCs, its results can yield practical insights, and scalable strategies to enhance the functions of RIE, thus serving as a valuable reference for policymakers, educators, and researchers.

Revisiting the depoliticisation thesis: Political participation and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in Europe

The increasing cultural prevalence and appeal of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have raised concerns about its potential depoliticising effects. Due to its focus on the self, CAM is believed to cultivate individualism and orient transformative energies towards self-improvement rather than the collective struggle for social justice. However, despite these concerns, few quantitative studies have examined CAM from the perspective of the depoliticisation thesis. This article aims to address this gap by studying the association between political participation and CAM with data from the European Social Survey (ESS). These data enable us to capture a diverse range of CAM practices and to scrutinise both institutionalised forms of political participation, such as voting, and non-institutionalised participation taking place in civil society. Contrary to the depoliticisation thesis, our results show that CAM users either engage more actively in voting or do not significantly differ in their voting behaviour compared to non-users, depending on the specific CAM modalities considered. Moreover, CAM users participate more actively in non-institutionalised activities than non-users across all types of CAM modalities. This article offers valuable insights into the relationship between CAM and political engagement and challenges prevailing assumptions about the depoliticising effects of CAM.

Bridging the Last Mile: The Critical Role of Local Civil Society in Advancing Equity and Inclusion for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing inequities in health, gender, and socioeconomic status. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a vital but often undervalued role in addressing these inequities by engaging with communities and fostering accountability of NTD programs and governments while ensuring transparency in their own operations and responsiveness to community needs. Drawing lessons from the HIV/AIDS and leprosy responses, this paper argues that CSOs are indispensable for sustainable and inclusive NTD programming. By positioning CSOs as champions of equity and community-centered approaches, the NTD community can ensure that interventions address the structural drivers of inequity and promote lasting change.

FORMATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY IN TEACHING HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL DISCIPLINES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The article analyzes the main methods, forms, and means of teaching historical and cultural disciplines that contribute to the formation of national identity among Ukrainian higher education students. It has been found that a modern approach to teaching historical and cultural disciplines is the use of such effective forms of organizing learning as museum lectures and visualization lectures, independent work with sources by students, and the implementation of educational projects. It has been established that the teaching of historical and cultural disciplines plays an important role in shaping national identity. The effectiveness of this process depends on many factors, such as the competence of teachers, the use of innovative teaching methods, the availability of modern educational materials, as well as the involvement of students in research and community activities. The task of the teacher is to provide students with a comprehensive analysis of the historical and cultural heritage of the chosen period, highlighting the most productive moments in the intellectual development of humanity. This can be facilitated by working with sources of information about outstanding figures in Ukrainian history and culture who, at different times, contributed to the formation of a national state and the glorification of Ukraine in the world. The formation of Ukrainian identity among higher education students is also facilitated by debunking myths artificially created and actively promoted by Russian propaganda. Therefore, special attention in the educational process should be paid to combating fakes. The popularization of modern Ukrainian-language educational content in theteaching process is also of great importance. The conclusions of the study confirm that the teaching of historical and cultural disciplines is one of the most important tools for shaping national identity. By investing in the development of this area, we contribute to strengthening Ukrainian statehood and the formation of civil society. Based on the results obtained, a number of practical recommendations have been formulated to improve the process of teaching historical and cultural disciplines in Ukrainian higher education institutions. In particular, it is proposed to develop new curricula that take into account modern challenges and societal needs, as well as to create a system for monitoring the effectiveness of teaching historical and cultural disciplines.

COVERAGE OF THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT IN THE MIDST OF THE CONTEMPORARY RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR 2014 – 2021

The article is dedicated to a deep analysis of the impact of volunteering on society during the current military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The article explores volunteering as a complex social phenomenon, revealing its key features and influence on the formation of civil society in crisis conditions.Primarily, the author extensively examines the peculiarities of volunteer activities in Ukraine, uncovering the motivation of volunteers and their role in supporting the armed forces and the civilian population. The article offers a comparative analysis of global volunteerism experiences to identify trends and considers unique aspects of the Ukrainian context. It includes an analysis of various methods of state regulation of volunteer activities in Ukraine, determining how these regulatory measures affect the organizational structure and efficiency of volunteer initiatives.The author explores the motivation of volunteers actively involved in addressing issues related to the military conflict, emphasizing that volunteering becomes a crucial instrument in providing humanitarian aid, medical support, and socio-psychological rehabilitation for the affected individuals.In the context of global volunteering experience, the article highlights the peculiarities of the Ukrainian volunteer movement, emphasizing its role in supporting the army, treating the wounded, and providing material assistance. An analysis of the challenges and opportunities that volunteers face in the conditions of military events reveals their steadfastness and dedication to the cause of communityassistance.The article also explores the mechanisms of state regulation of volunteer activities, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of existing approaches. Content analysis of mass media allows obtaining an objective picture of public opinion about volunteers, identifying stereotypes, and gauging the public's reaction to their activities.The article makes a significant contribution to understanding the role of volunteering in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine, revealing its socio-cultural and political impact. The research can serve as a foundation for the development of more effective strategies for state support and regulation of volunteer activities in conflict situations and contribute to shaping a positive image of volunteers in society.

Transnational corporate power, neo-colonialism and investigative journalism: a conversation with Matt Kennard

Purpose This viewpoint aims to contribute to understanding corporate power in two key respects. First, it provides insight into the ways in which transnational corporations continue to operate as vehicles for neo-colonial projects, which are underpinned by exploitation and racial hierarchies. Second, it highlights the significance of investigative journalism in providing a crucial empirical resource for both activists engaged in holding power to account and scholars engaged in critical research into corporate power and civil society activism. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint combines an interview with an investigative journalist and the academic commentary provided by the authors in response to the interview. Findings This viewpoint highlights contemporary mutations in the concentration of corporate power, along three broad themes: the growth of transnational institutions critical to enabling and supporting abuses of transnational corporate power and neo-colonialism; the emergence of corporate-run political territories secured by private security organisations; and the corporate attack on progressive politics. It also analyses the important role of investigative journalism in advancing knowledge of transnational corporate power as well as its role in holding such power to account and the urgent need for new forms of independent journalism to support union activism, whistleblowing and other forms of democratic activism. Research limitations/implications This viewpoint engages with an alternative tradition of social critique and the critique of corporate power, which has been underrepresented in the field of international business. Practical implications This study highlights the significance of investigative journalism in providing a crucial empirical resource for both activists engaged in holding power to account and scholars engaged in critical research into corporate power and civil society activism. Social implications These implications entail developing a critique of transnational corporate power and neo-colonialism, enriching democtratic oversight and journalism, and supporting freedom of expression and democratic activism. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, minimal research has explored the critical role of investigative journalism in uncovering and holding transnational corporate power accountable. This paper therefore offers a highly original contribution by addressing this significant yet underexamined area.

Is civic engagement a potential path to decolonizing education?

Is civic engagement a potential path to decolonizing education?

Democratic backsliding and public administration: the experience of Ghana

ABSTRACT Democratic backsliding has been a phenomenon occurring in many jurisdictions in the developed and developing world. Deploying a framework by Levitsky and Ziblatt [2018. How Democracies Die. New York: Penguin Random House], the study evaluates the nature of democratic backsliding in Ghana focusing on the strategies deployed by political leaders in Ghana to systematically erode and weaken professionalism in the public administration. The study uses relevant democracy indicators and datasets as well as other secondary data to establish a pattern of democratic backsliding in Ghana 2017–2023 with a corresponding impact on the quality of public administration and people’s declining trust in them. The study calls for constitutional measures to tame the excessive powers of the executive as well as active role of civil society to call government out to prevent some of the democratic backsliding tendencies.

Universities unbound: Universities as sites of human rights activism and protection in an era of democratic crisis

This article champions the potential for universities to play an enhanced role supporting human rights activism and protection in the context of democratic crisis. The challenges such an agenda faces are significant. In addition to global trends such as democratic backsliding and shrinking civic and political space, universities themselves exhibit “two faces,” as sites of violence and exclusion as well as of more progressive values, and are caught between the pincer movement of privatization and increasing state interference. However, universities often enjoy more autonomy than civil society groups. Drawing on core values such as academic freedom and social justice, and particular qualities—legitimacy, status, access to knowledge, resources, and local and global networks—universities have both the potential and the responsibility to act. The article identifies four roles universities can play in relation to activism and protection: instigators, incubators (of ideas, values, and organizations), collaborators, and protectors. Three forms of protection—of people, values, and knowledge—are interdependent, with activists more likely to feel protected if their values and knowledge are reflected within universities. Ultimately, if universities do not support others, who will be left to defend them when attacks intensify on universities themselves?

CSR as Hedging Against Institutional Transition Risk: Corporate Philanthropy After the Sunflower Movement in Taiwan

Firms with political connections to a regime with an authoritarian history face a dilemma when the regime undergoes a democratic transition. Such connections provide an essential competitive advantage when the regime is in power but become a liability when an institutional transition brings democratic change. This study theorizes that when mass protests expose a regime’s distorted policies favoring elites over others and signal a high probability of regime turnover, firms may hedge against the risks associated with their political connections by engaging in philanthropy. We further contend that this effect is stronger for firms located in regions characterized by the rise of an opposing political party or a strong civil society. We find support for our theory in Taiwan’s 2014 Sunflower Movement. Our article reveals a strategy that firms adopt to survive democratic transitions and thus contributes to research on how firms use non-market strategies to adapt to institutional changes. Our research also shows that strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) can substitute for corporate political activity or compensate for its limitations, and it expands research on the signaling function of social movements from public to private politics.

A Conceptual Framework for National Dialogues: Applied Theories and Concepts

National dialogues are recognised as vital tools for resolving political conflicts, fostering state- and nation-building, enhancing social cohesion, and facilitating peaceful socio-economic and political transformation. Despite a growing body of literature examining national dialogues and their outcomes, there remains a gap in understanding their theoretical underpinnings and conceptualisations. This article addresses this gap by conducting a discursive analysis offering an alternative theoretical framework for national dialogues, drawing on three theories: social contract, consociationalism, and conflict transformation. Using secondary data from scholarly journals, reports, political agreements, and documented policies and strategies, this article assesses the theories’ applicability in developing a conceptual framework for national dialogues. An analysis of each theory demonstrates that, while they approach peacebuilding from different angles, they share unique and common themes such as participatory governance, addressing root causes, and building trust and cooperation, which are essential in designing and implementing successful national dialogues. Leveraging the unique elements of each theory, the observed insights provide a more comprehensive approach to planning and implementing national dialogues, even in diverse socio-economic and political contexts. This is pertinent to scholars in the field of peace studies, governments, political entities, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders engaged in national dialogue processes.

Impact of Soil Use On Winter Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The Agricultural Sector in Alagoas Through An Emissions Inventory

Objective: To prepare a greenhouse gas inventory within the state of Alagoas for 2019, using data and factors from livestock and agriculture. Theoretical framework: Preparing an inventory is an important tool for understanding climate change that is directly related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mostly resulting from anthropogenic activities. In Brazil, agriculture stands out as one of the main sources of emissions, driven by the production of grains and animals for domestic and foreign consumption. Due to the difficulty of direct measurement, emissions are often assessed through inventories. The GHG emissions inventory is one of the basic tools that provides relevant data to direct certain public policies, or civil society actions, to reduce GHG emissions into the atmosphere, given that the state of Alagoas has few scientific productions on GHG sources and emissions. Methodology: Emissions were calculated by multiplying the emission coefficient following the methodology proposed by the IPCC, GHG Protocol, using the multiplication of the emission coefficient also indicated by the IPCC, MCTIC, EMBRAPA by the total number of heads or by the number of hectares of each crop in 2019 to calculate emissions. The results were then transformed into figures to facilitate understanding and analysis. Results and Discussions: N2O emissions from temporary and permanent crops, and N2O and CH4 emissions from flooded rice crops; as well as CH4 and N2O emissions from the livestock sector, totaling 10.53 MtCO2e of emissions in 2019. Comparing with other results, differences were noted in the total emissions due to the adoption of different methodologies and factors, as well as in what to measure, so this article presents advances and limitations, contributing to a greater depth of understanding of emissions. Research Implications: This research contributes to the scientific literature, public policy actions and environmental planning, as well as understanding and analyzing the impacts on the agricultural sector, and methodological and scientific advances, and the promotion of new research and data updates that can guide new research and updates. Originality/value: This study provides a regional focus on Alagoas, with consistent applications of international methodologies (IPCC, GHG Protocol) in local contexts. It serves as a basis for local public policies, environmental and climate impacts, expanding knowledge about the state's emissions, and encouraging innovation in local methods, as well as awareness and social mobilization.

Menalar Demokrasi dalam Masyarakat Sipil: Teori dan Gagasan Baru dalam Pemikiran Gideon Baker

Civil society plays an important role in the development and consolidation of democracy, especially in creating space for political participation, policy advocacy, and oversight of the government. In this context, Gideon Baker's Theorising the Democracy of Civil Society offers a new perspective on the role of civil society in shaping democracy independent of state domination. Baker proposes that democratisation is not only dependent on the state, but can also develop through self-organisation in civil society. This view criticises traditional theories of democracy that focus too much on the state as the main actor in the democratisation process. The theoretical study in this research refers to Baker's thoughts on democracy that is rooted in civil society and not tied to state structures. Other literature also suggests that although civil society plays an important role in democracy, it often faces external and internal challenges, including autocratisation and restrictions on civil liberties. The purpose of this research is to analyse more deeply Baker's ideas and examine their relevance in the context of contemporary democracy, especially in developing or authoritarian countries. The research method used is qualitative research with a book review approach, in which the researcher reads and analyses the book critically to explore the ideas and arguments put forward by the author, and compares them with existing literature. The results show that although Baker's concept of democracy in civil society still needs further development, it provides room for new thinking about a more inclusive and independent form of democracy. Suggestions for future research include exploring the application of this concept in social movements in developing or authoritarian countries and exploring how digital technology can strengthen civil society-based democracy.

Innovating to amplify the voices of young people from marginalized ethnic migrant backgrounds.

The meaningful participation of young people from marginalized ethnic backgrounds in civic processes is central to the social cohesion of increasingly diverse liberal democracies, but their participation is compromised by a range of barriers resulting in decision-making that is disconnected from their lives. To address participation barriers, a group of young people from marginalized ethnic migrant backgrounds joined a team of researchers, social innovators, and community leaders to co-design and pilot an innovation to increase youth participation in policymaking. Delivered in phases over an 18-month period, the project followed an approach that combined social innovation and evaluation methods. The process revealed factors that help and hinder young people from marginalized ethnic backgrounds' genuine engagement in partnerships with adults. The project learnings informed principle-based guidelines for marginalized young people's civic engagement, which are offered to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in inclusive youth participation.

Assessing the Environmental Impact of the Mining Industry

Mining is very vital to the production of goods, services and infrastructure; it advances the quality of lives in the society. However, the possible hazard of waste and radioactivity generated by mining, dumping and tailing, has called on the society to find ways of seeking remedy that will adequately treat mining waste from mine dump, tailing and abandoned mine. Mine waste reuse and recycling in mining industries could offer cost-effective benefits through offsetting raw material requirements and decreasing the volumes of waste to be managed. Impact and mechanism of mine damage to the environment was discussed together with the remediation principles. Practical ways in which country’s state authority and civil society can keep a close watch and enhance the enforcement of laws and regulations were highlighted. The prediction for the control of mineral exploration and environmental assessment was also discussed for executing a specific control to take preventive measures.

Navigating the challenges of fake news and media trust: a bibliometric study

Purpose Fake News, a disruptive force in the information world, has been extensively researched across various academic domains. This study, however, takes a unique approach by using bibliometric analysis to explore the specific link between fake news and the erosion of media trust. The purpsose of this study is to introduce novel and unexplored research questions that have not been thoroughly investigated, opening up exciting avenues for future research. Design/methodology/approach A thorough bibliometric analysis was conducted on 480 papers published between 2015 and 2023, using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software packages. These papers were sourced from the well-known electronic research database, Scopus. The study included cluster analysis, bibliographic coupling, citation analysis, content analysis, keyword analysis and a three-field plot, providing a robust examination of the research landscape. Findings The bibliometric content analysis gave eight research clusters in the area. Future research guidelines are proposed, followed by conclusions, limitations and research and management implications. (1) Distrust in media and populism; (2) Social media, conspiracy theories and COVID-19; (3) Fact-checking, misinformation and media dynamics; (4) Fake news, trust and political bias; (5) Polarisation, echo chambers and information bubbles; (6) Political communication and media trust; (7) Media literacy and mass communication; and (8) Disinformation, trust and political consequences. Research limitations/implications The analysis reveals gaps in existing literature, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies that explore the nuanced relationships between fake news and media credibility by using interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from communication theory, psychology and sociology. This analysis can guide scholars in identifying new research directions. Practical implications Media organisations can use this knowledge to develop strategies that enhance their credibility and counteract the effects of fake news. Policymakers can design informed regulations to combat misinformation and protect public trust. Educators can integrate these insights into curricula to prepare future journalists and media professionals for the evolving landscape. Tech companies can leverage these findings to mitigate fake news and build media trust. Social implications Public trust in media is foundational to democratic societies. Understanding the dynamic of fake news helps recognise broader societal consequences, such as increased polarisation and decreased civic engagement. By addressing the issues, society can work towards restoring faith in the institution of media. Originality/value There is a lack of comprehensive research using bibliometric analysis to understand how the rise of fake news has affected the reputation of traditional media. This study makes a significant contribution, using a bibliographic lens to highlight key themes and pave the way for future research.

Sustainable Management by Forest Farmer Group in Serayu Watershed

The conservation and development management of watersheds require comprehensive studies, planning, and implementation from the upstream water sources to the downstream areas. The active involvement of stakeholders, including government entities responsible for policies, regulations, and budgets, as well as civil society groups such as forest farmer communities, fishermen, business groups, environmental activists, and empowerment advocates, is essential. This research focuses on watershed management among forest farmer groups in the Serayu River area, the longest river in Central Java, specifically in Cilacap and Banyumas Regencies of Indonesia A qualitative explanatory case study method was employed, utilizing direct observation, in-depth interviews, document analysis, and discussions. Data were analyzed through reduction, classification, clarification, and triangulation. The findings reveal that the management of the Serayu River watershed still requires socialization, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders in planning, conservation, maintenance, development, monitoring, and evaluation. These stakeholders include local and village governments, socio-economic community groups, private entities, and academics. Relevant watershed management approaches include conceptual, deterministic, stochastic, parametric, and probabilistic methods.

Datafied ageing futures: Regimes of anticipation and participatory futuring

With this paper we join others in their call to resist and challenge regimes of anticipations that suggest our futures are inevitably linked to certain imaginaries about data-driven systems. The future is not simply happening but is made now – through regimes of anticipation that shape our expectations, imaginaries, visions and hypes, and define what is thinkable and desirable. Who or what is able to claim the future is an exercise of power and a matter of social justice. However, current anticipations circulating about datafied futures are often determined by powerful social actors such as states or technology companies. In this paper, we explore how we might open up futures-making to different people in relation to futures of ageing. Central is the question of whether and how we can actually think (and imagine) outside of powerful anticipation regimes around the increasing spread and relevance of data-driven systems and/or ageist assumptions about how to ‘fix’ the problem of demographic ageing. We draw on data from a series of design fiction workshops with older adults, civil society organisations and civil servants in Germany, Austria and the UK. Our analysis explores how participatory futuring might allow participants to question their own assumptions and anticipations about the futures of data-driven technologies in ageing societies but that, due to ‘discursive closure’, this may not lead to radically different futures imaginaries.

CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL RECONCILIATION IN ETHIOPIA: REFLECTIONS ON ETHIOPIA’S CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION, NATIONAL COHESION AND PEACE BUILDING

Ethiopia has been struggling to achieve national reconciliation, conflict transformation, and peace-building since the 1974 revolution and regime changes in 1991 and 2018. Past Ethiopian governments have not given enough attention to reconciliation efforts, despite the urge for it and attempt to establish a reconciliation commission. The study in this article looks at the challenges facing national reconciliation, conflict transformation, social cohesion, and peace-building in contemporary Ethiopia. The researcher used interviews with key informants and qualitatively designed surveys with 165 randomly selected residents of Addis Ababa, Adama, and Mekelle cities. Analysis of documents, literature, research articles, and social media platforms helped to highlight various challenges, including historical context, political and constitutional issues, competing nationalisms, social factors, national identity conflicts, economic disparities, media influence, lack of civil society involvement, the spoiling role of the Ethiopian diaspora, and external pressures. The study recommends a strong political commitment and a comprehensive peace-building strategy involving all Ethiopian elites to achieve lasting political reconciliation, unity, and peace in the country through an elite based negotiated political settlement.