Includes bibliographical references and index.

Controversies over the nature of the Ethiopian social change -- Theo ries of revolution and the Ethiopian discrepancies -- Ideology and powe r struggle -- Subjective conditions of social revolutions -- The ideolo gical origins of Haile Selassie's regime -- Sociopolitical origins of H aile Selassie's regime -- The politics of cooptation: strengths and wea knesses -- Social blockage and rising discontent -- The Ethiopian milit ary and the formation of the Derg -- Disputes over the radicalization o f the Derg -- Power struggle and radicalization -- Conflicts for power and the rise of Mengistu Haile Mariam -- Narcissism and revolution -- E thnonationalism and political competition -- The fall of Mengistu and t he Derg -- Why social revolutions fail? -- Philosophical extensions.