Why
can a state that appears stable in its capital simultaneously be losing
governing capacity across much of its territory? This
question captures a central puzzle in Ethiopia’s current political trajectory.
Addis Ababa continues to function as a diplomatic hub and a showcase of
modernization, while several regions of the country experience persistent armed
conflict, disrupted public institutions, and growing insecurity. The
coexistence of visible institutional vitality in the capital and fragmented
governance across parts of the national territory is what I describe as the Addis
Paradox. https://borkena.com/2026/03/11/the-addis-paradox-ethiopias-zombie-state/#google_vignette
