Ng'ang'a, M.A. Catherine

Drawing on insights provided by institutionalist and constructivist theories as well as theories of conflict, this PhD project explores how post-conflict regimes employ power in the selection and construction of narratives that, on the one hand, scapegoat those from whom they took power and on the other hand, legitimate and justify their regimes. The study will analyse how Ethiopia's Derg and the EPRDF regimes used their respective victories and power to construct new narratives and suppress other narratives to whitewash their actions during the wars through which they attained power and as foundations and justification for their respective regimes. It will also be analysed whether the suppression of alternative narratives impacts the recurrence of conflicts in Ethiopia.