Shared identity, an integrative component of Ethiopian federalism: Informing shared society in the Konso‐Alle‐Derashe Area

This study explores a shared identity framework for inclusive ethnic relationships under Ethiopian federalism. Decades of the federal experiment show mixed results. On the one hand, it enabled nationalities to exercise extensive rights and freedoms. On the other hand, however, it coincided with pervasive conflicts and state fragility. Contrary to the view that ethnic federalism is fundamentally flawed, this study argues that the problems are epiphenomenons that can be improved. Using an exploratory research approach, the study has taken the Konso‐Derashe‐Alle area to show how shared identity helps to resolve the contradiction in Ethiopian federalism. According to the findings, maturing ethnicity and existing political consciousness suggest ethnic federalism as a viable system for the study area but it should be supplemented by a framework of shared spaces such as the shared society system that capitalizes on the extensive shared sociocultural values of the area to overturn the growing exclusive ethnicity.