Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Appreciation for Hood Communists

(04:45) Countering the Idea of Ethiopian Imperialism and Colonialism

(06:07) The Significance of the Armed Struggle in Eritrea

(12:21) Moving Away from Hyper-Nationalism and Chauvinism

(30:48) The Anti-Colonial Armed Struggle

(34:36) Challenging the Existence Narrative of "Ethiopian Imperialism"

(45:22) The Dangers of Hyper-Nationalism

(50:45) The Marxist Framework and Imperialism

(56:03) Beware of Co-Opted Voices

Summary:

This episode challenges the idea of Ethiopian imperialism and colonialism, with Filmon Zerai emphasizing the significant role that external powers, particularly Washington and London, have played in fueling divisions and managing the internal affairs of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Filmon argues that Ethiopia is not a sovereign power but rather a neo-colonial state, heavily influenced by these external forces.In discussing the armed struggle in Eritrea, Filmon highlights the necessity of moving away from hyper-nationalism and chauvinism when analyzing the region's history and power dynamics. The conversation questions the existence of Ethiopian imperialism, proposing instead that what is often perceived as imperialism is better understood through the lens of neo-colonialism. Filmon underscores the importance of recognizing the imperialistic power dynamics at play and the critical influence of external actors like Washington and London in shaping events in the Horn of Africa. He advocates for a more nuanced, materialist understanding of history and politics, critiquing hyper-nationalism and calling for a deeper analysis that goes beyond traditional nationalist narratives.

Takeaways

Washington and London play a significant role in fueling division and managing the internal affairs of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia is a neo-colonial state and not a sovereign power.

The armed struggle in Eritrea was a key moment in the region's history and symbolizes anti-colonial resistance.

Hyper-nationalism and chauvinism should be challenged in analyzing the region's history and power dynamics. There is no such thing as Ethiopian imperialism or colonialism, but rather Ethiopia is a neo-colonial state influenced by external powers.

Understanding the power dynamics of imperialism is crucial in analyzing the events in the Horn of Africa.

Hyper-nationalism and ethnocentric perspectives can distract from the larger power dynamics at play.

The Marxist framework provides insights into the nature of imperialism and the role of client states.

It is important to be critical of voices that claim to be radical or nationalist but are aligned with imperialist agendas.

keywords

Ethiopian imperialism, Ethiopian colonialism, Washington, London, Horn of Africa, Eritrea, armed struggle, hyper-nationalism, chauvinism, Ethiopian imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, Marxism, Leninism, Stalinism, power dynamics, hyper-nationalism, external forces

Sound Bites

"There's no such thing as Ethiopian imperialism. There's no such thing as Ethiopian colonialism."

"Ethiopia is a new colonial entity that was created initially by the British and the French."

"The main players and powers are Washington and London."

"I am proud to be an Eritrean because of the anti-colonial armed struggle"

"There is no such thing as Ethiopian imperialism, colonialism"

"Hyper-nationalism distracts from looking at the external powers behind the current crisis"

Chapters:

00:00 - The Significance of Black August and the Black Radical Tradition . 02:51 - The Connection Between the Black Radical Tradition and the Struggles in the Horn of Africa

10:34 - Discarding the Fetishization of the Abyssinian Feudal Monarchy 21:17 - The Role of the Black Diaspora in the Horn of Africa

24:01 - Questioning Reformism and Involvement with Code Pink and Amnesty International

28:19 - Recognizing and Resisting the Counter-Insurgency Efforts of the State 36:36 - Rejecting Ethnocentric Rhetoric and Unity Against Imperialism

37:29 - Eritrea's Engagement with Iran: Development and Security

45:09 - Ending Militarization in Somalia: Rejecting Foreign Troops

51:17 - The Ethiopian Airlines Fiasco: A Continuation of Imperialism's Tactics

56:20 - Constructive Criticism and Political Evolution in the Pan-African Movement

Summary

In this episode, Filmon Zerai discusses the significance of Black August and its connection to the struggle in the Horn of Africa. They emphasize the importance of the black radical tradition and its recognition of the Eritrean liberation struggle. Filmon Zerai also criticizes the fetishization of the Abyssinian feudal monarchy and the romanticization of the Battle of Adwa, calling for a mature and evolved approach to African unity. They also question the effectiveness of reformism and the involvement with organizations like Code Pink and Amnesty International. This conversation covers various topics related to the Horn of Africa, including the role of imperialism, the engagement of Eritrea with other countries, the situation in Somalia, developments in Tigray, and the Ethiopian Airlines fiasco. The speaker emphasizes the need to reject ethnocentric rhetoric and focus on the common enemy of imperialism. They also discuss the importance of constructive criticism within the Pan-African movement and the need for organized action.

Takeaways

Black August is an important month that highlights the struggle of black prisoners of conscience revolutionaries

The black radical tradition recognizes the Eritrean liberation struggle and rejects the fetishization of the Abyssinian feudal monarchy

Reformism and involvement with organizations like Code Pink and Amnesty International may not align with the principles of the black radical tradition

A mature and evolved approach to African unity is needed, moving away from romanticized narratives and focusing on liberation and anti-imperialism Imperialism is the common enemy in the Horn of Africa, and it is important to reject ethnocentric rhetoric and focus on unity against imperialism.

Eritrea's engagement with other countries, such as Iran, can be seen as part of the resistance axis against imperialism.

The situation in Somalia highlights the need to end the militarization of the country and reject the presence of foreign troops.

Developments in Tigray reveal the complexity of the political landscape and the need for a clear revolutionary path.

The Ethiopian Airlines fiasco should not be viewed as a conflict between Eritreans and Ethiopians, but as a continuation of imperialism's aggressive tactics.

Constructive criticism within the Pan-African movement is important for growth and improvement.

Organized action and unity are crucial in the fight against imperialism and for the liberation of the Horn of Africa.

Keywords

Black August, black radical tradition, Horn of Africa, Eritrean liberation struggle, Abyssinian feudal monarchy, Battle of Adwa, reformism, Code Pink, Amnesty International, Horn of Africa, imperialism, Eritrea, Somalia, Tigray, Ethiopian Airlines, Pan-Africanism