Ethiopia Pt.2: Haile Selassie, King of Kings

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Dec 18, 2024

Explore the rise and legacy of Emperor Haile Selassie, the pivotal figure of 20th-century Ethiopia. Discover how he navigated a politically tumultuous landscape and transformed feudalism into constitutional monarchy. Uncover the brutal reality of Mussolini's invasion and Selassie's struggles during exile. Delve into the cultural impact of his reign, including the Rastafarian movement, and reflect on the enduring complexities of his legacy amid modern challenges. A fascinating journey through Ethiopia's rich history awaits!

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ANECDOTE

Prophecy of Haile Selassie's Reign

A hermit prophesied Tafari's birth, rise to power, and eventual downfall.
This prophecy foreshadowed Haile Selassie's contested legacy.

INSIGHT

Haile Selassie's Charisma

Haile Selassie was a short man but compensated with charisma and a regal presence.
His appearance and demeanor projected an air of authority.

INSIGHT

Haile Selassie's Early Loss and Upbringing

Haile Selassie's mother died when he was two, impacting his upbringing.
He was raised by his aunt and uncle, potentially affecting his relationship with his father.

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After a short emergency interlude into Syria, Conflicted Season 5 returns to our exploration of the fascinating land of Ethiopia. Moving now to the 20th century, where one man dominated the country: Emperor Haile Selassie, King of Kings.

Haile Selassie is a name synonymous with a few things: Ethiopia’s age of regal power in the 20th century; being the only African monarch to withstand Western colonialism; and, of course, the religion in Jamaica which reveres him as a god, Rastafarianism. But Haile Selassie himself was actually much more human, more mortal, than all this implies – to look at his life is to understand how the modern Ethiopian state came to be formed, or rather, failed to be formed…

In this episode, Thomas and Aimen give us an in depth look at Ethiopia in the 20th century, from Haile Selassie’s prophesied birth, to the political machinations that brought him to power, and how he cemented it in this tumultuous time for his country. The wider geopolitics of his reign were fascinating too, which saw Mussolini’s fascist Italians invade, Western powers joining to expel them in World War 2, and a period of rule afterwards where Selassie preached African unity while himself conquering neighbouring lands. We’ll talk about Selassie in Bath, his resplendent tours throughout Europe, thrilling visits to the League of Nations, and yes, the religion set up in his name to revere him, Rastafarianism.

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