This essay examines the historical patterns of imperial rise and decline, applying them to the co... more This essay examines the historical patterns of imperial rise and decline, applying them to the contemporary status of the United States. It explores Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda as an attempt to reverse perceived American decline, comparing his strategies to past empires like Rome, the Ottomans, and the British. The essays discusses the chances of success and failure for Trump's MAGA agenda.
This proposal presents groundbreaking strategies to mitigate hurricane impacts, combining advance... more This proposal presents groundbreaking strategies to mitigate hurricane impacts, combining advanced technologies with environmental sustainability. Key proposals include ideas how to disrupt tropical depressions to prevent hurricane formation; setting up mobile hurricane barrier systems; and redesigned levees systems.
The new ideas promise to contribute to development of mechanisms that can significantly reduce economic losses, infrastructure damage, and environmental disruption caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. By proactively targeting hurricanes at inception and enhancing coastal resilience, this approach offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution.
Fire hazards, including urban fires and wildfires, cause catastrophic losses to lives, property, ... more Fire hazards, including urban fires and wildfires, cause catastrophic losses to lives, property, and communities each year. Existing mitigation measures focus on suppression and alarms, leaving gaps in personal protection and property preservation. This proposal introduces three innovative solutions: the Fire Protection Vest, Storage Bag System, and the Fire-Protective House Enclosure System.
These solutions, which are experimental ideas, are scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable, addressing critical gaps in fire preparedness. They enhance personal and property safety while reducing fire impacts on vulnerable households and communities.
Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, cause massive damage in the USA on a regular... more Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, cause massive damage in the USA on a regular basis. Most of the actions taken to limit the damage they cause have been limited to early warning systems and recovery and restoration efforts. On the other hand, preventive measures have been far and between and few have shown any significant result. This paper presents an experimental technique which, if implemented properly, can provide a chance to develop preventive measures that can thwart developing tornado systems.
This paper is an attempt made to discern scientific truths hidden in the Bible. Equally, it is an... more This paper is an attempt made to discern scientific truths hidden in the Bible. Equally, it is an attempt to show how God predicted some of the scientific-cum-technological marvels of the modern era. The exegesis may or may not convince you, but at least it is worth trying to see how much the Bible comes to speak science.
This article builds upon the foundational insights of the earlier work, "Daniel Chapter Seven: A ... more This article builds upon the foundational insights of the earlier work, "Daniel Chapter Seven: A New Perspective," by extending it in two directions. The first section offers an integrated analysis of the visions presented in multiple chapters of the Book of Daniel, weaving them into a cohesive framework. The second section seeks to establish a correspondence between historical events and the prophetic imagery of Daniel Chapter Seven. The second section highlights the vision's relevance to the political dynamics of the last days.
Commentators frequently lean on literal and historical interpretation of Daniel's visions. Howe... more Commentators frequently lean on literal and historical interpretation of Daniel's visions. However, this approach falls short of revealing the divine mind expressed in the forms of symbols and figurative language. This article focuses on Daniel Chapter 7 and uses an interpretive method that prioritizes the symbolic and figurative. Furthermore, to show the dream's end-time significance, the analysis draws parallels between the dream and modern-day political realities.
This is the second part of a series of articles dealing with the (re)interpretation of Daniel Cha... more This is the second part of a series of articles dealing with the (re)interpretation of Daniel Chapter Eight. Part II focuses on discussing the historical evidences that support the (re)interpretation of the end times events described in Daniel Chapter Eight.
This article, using Daniel Chapter 8, develops and uses a non- figurative interpretative approac... more This article, using Daniel Chapter 8, develops and uses a non- figurative interpretative approach to the identification of the Antichrist. The article relies on an inductive hermeneutics for its investigation and conclusion. The paper aims at enhancing the understanding of Daniel's literature.
Daniel 9:24-27 is widely regarded as one of the most obscure and debated passages in the Bible. D... more Daniel 9:24-27 is widely regarded as one of the most obscure and debated passages in the Bible. Due to its complexity, it has given rise to divergent interpretations and has served as the foundation for differing schools of eschatology. This study offers a fresh perspective on the passage, grounded in typology and biblical cycles.
First, it reinterprets the core term in the vision, “70 weeks”, not as a reference to a seven-year cycle, as commonly assumed, but rather as a coded reference to the jubilee-year cycle. This approach aligns the prophecy with Israel’s established biblical framework of restoration and redemption.
Secondly, drawing from New Testament passages such as 1 Peter 1:10-12, this study applies the terms “thy people” and “thy city” typologically, understanding them as references to the church rather than ethnic Israel.
Thirdly, the study treats the “70 weeks” as an uninterrupted prophetic timeline, spanning the two millennia between Christ’s first and second comings. This continuous interpretation challenges traditional gap theories and presents a unified eschatological progression.
Fourthly, it draws upon the typological significance of Israel’s high holy days, particularly the fall feasts, to elucidate their eschatological meaning. By examining these feasts through the lens of biblical prophecy, the study uncovers deeper connections between God’s appointed times and the fulfillment of redemption history.
Finally, it explores the concept of the parallel restoration of modern-day Israel and the church, examining its implications in light of Israel’s current war. This perspective seeks to demonstrate how contemporary events hold eschatological significance for the global body of believers, reinforcing the prophetic role of Israel in God’s redemptive timeline.
By integrating these key elements, this study offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to Daniel’s prophecy, shedding new light on its meaning for both Israel and the church today.
The article explores the possibility of simultaneous political liberalization and democratization... more The article explores the possibility of simultaneous political liberalization and democratization in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The paper raises points that can serve as underlying resources and principles to bring the political futures of the two countries and peoples closer, to the point of union. As the paper is written in 2016, it does not predict and discuss the 2020-21 civil war in Ethiopia, which also drew in Eritrea into the fry to a degree.
The study evaluates the track record of various international relations theory related to their p... more The study evaluates the track record of various international relations theory related to their predictions about the state of the world following the end of the Cold War in 1989. The study uses level of military spending in post-Cold War years as a indicator of global security.
Ethiopia experienced regime change in 1991 followed by market-oriented market reforms that focuse... more Ethiopia experienced regime change in 1991 followed by market-oriented market reforms that focused on privatization, retrenchment, currency devaluation, and export-orientation. However, Ethiopia in the meantime lost access to its Red Sea ports as Eritrea seceded in 1993. This study evaluates the impact of these changes on Ethiopia's external trade (i.e., exports and imports). Results show that currency devaluation shows significant linkage with imports only. Despite the loss of her ports, Ethiopia's external trade has thrived.
This study examines the issue of Sub-Saharan African economic recovery by taking three major fact... more This study examines the issue of Sub-Saharan African economic recovery by taking three major factors as its focus; namely (i) the market-based economic reform program which several SSA countries have implemented, technically known as Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP), (ii) political liberalization in the form of democratization, and (iii) the recent primary commodities price boom of which Africa has been one of the major beneficiaries. But the question is what has been the relative impact of these factors on SSA economic growth, particularly that of the controversial SAP whose effectiveness has been debated widely. To evaluate the relative effects of each of these potential drivers of economic growth, the study used pooled time series data from 25 SSA nations covering the period 1980 to 2004. Results show that even under various model specifications, SAP shows significant negative impact on SSA economic growth for the period, while democracy shows a consistent positive effect on GDP growth. On the other hand, of the various commodities price categories considered, namely, agricultural commodities, metal, and crude oil, only the international price of metals shows a significant positive impact on SSA economic growth.
Studies made on Africa's democratization were of two of kinds. Either they dealt with the initiat... more Studies made on Africa's democratization were of two of kinds. Either they dealt with the initiation of democratization in the early years of reform (1989-1991), or else they focused on country-level case studies while covering a longer time span. This study for the first time examines the continent-wide democratic consolidation by covering the period 1991-2003. The study's focus is on the identification of the important factors that have contributed to this process. Moreover, the study also develops some continent-specific typologies that are believed to enhance our understandings, and also inform future research, on the various trajectories of political change seen in Africa.
The objective of the study is to investigate the potential linkage between trade protectionism an... more The objective of the study is to investigate the potential linkage between trade protectionism and the domestic price level. International trade theory leads us to expect that high levels of barriers to imports to lead to a rise in the domestic price level. However, current research in this field lacked comprehensiveness by only looking at individual countries, and provides us only with inconclusive results. This paper by continuing the line of research in this area, looked at a panel data of 35 developing countries for the period 1987–93. Results from this study indicate inflation to be mainly a problem of unrestrained money creation, and particularly a Latin American phenomenon. However, the result failed to conform theoretical expectations of positive relations between inflation and the tariff rate.
For developing countries, large state size means greater cultural diversity and core-periphery ba... more For developing countries, large state size means greater cultural diversity and core-periphery based development and equity problems. Hence, “large size" is hypothesized to be a drag on nation-, state-, and democracy-building processes. On the other hand, “small size’’ is hypothesized to foster these processes (i) by facilitating exchange and interdependence among diverse social groups, (ii) by enabling rapid responsiveness and public service provision by the government, and (iii) by enhancing the public’s ability to organize and lobby the government for change.
On two counts, this study is different from previous studies which investigated the size of countries. First, many studies either used population as a measure of country size, or even when they used land area, they used it as a dependent variable. This study uses land area as a measure of size and uses it as its main explanatory variable. Secondly, by arguing that what is being questioned about the effects of large size can be mitigated by demography, the study also investigates the effects of population settlement patterns. Therefore, it uses population concentration and urbanization rate as alternative main explanatory variables to investigate the more nuanced aspect of country size, in its impact on indicators of governance,.
The study analyzes cross-sectional data for some 137 countries for the year 2006. Results from two-way and regression analyses show that land area, population density, and urbanization rate all have the hypothesized effect on political stability and government effectiveness. However, the expected impact of geography and demography variables on democracy is generally absent.
One of the most enigmatic signs of the end-times is the "abomination of desolation," first mentio... more One of the most enigmatic signs of the end-times is the "abomination of desolation," first mentioned by the prophet Daniel and later reiterated by the Lord Jesus Christ. Traditionally, the temple or sanctuary made desolate by the abomination of transgression has been interpreted as a physical structure. However, based on the New Testament recasting of the term "temple" to refer to the believer's physical body, this concept in this article is reinterpreted to signify profound human suffering—such as humiliation and rejection—experienced by figures like Job, the psalmist, Jeremiah, the Apostle Paul, and even the Messiah as depicted in Isaiah 53.
The analysis is presented with the hope that it can enrich our understanding of Bible prophecies concerning the end times.
One of the most enigmatic concepts in biblical eschatology is the identity of the two witnesses m... more One of the most enigmatic concepts in biblical eschatology is the identity of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation, Chapter 11. Historically, various candidates have been proposed to identify them. Most interpreters have understood them as two literal individuals, with popular pairings including Enoch and Elijah, Moses and Elijah, or Peter and Paul. Others have interpreted them in non-personal terms, such as Israel and the Church, or the Old Testament and the New Testament. This article adopts an unconventional approach to identifying the two witnesses, primarily relying on typology, analogy, and figurative symbolism. It draws its main inspiration from Zechariah, Chapter 4, which is prominently alluded to in Revelation 11, as the foundation for identifying the two witnesses. Additionally, the article re-examines other Old and New Testament passages to support this new line of interpretation.
Note: Version 2 is the recasting of the the same idea presented in version 1 of my article of the same title.
This essay examines the historical patterns of imperial rise and decline, applying them to the co... more This essay examines the historical patterns of imperial rise and decline, applying them to the contemporary status of the United States. It explores Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) agenda as an attempt to reverse perceived American decline, comparing his strategies to past empires like Rome, the Ottomans, and the British. The essays discusses the chances of success and failure for Trump's MAGA agenda.
This proposal presents groundbreaking strategies to mitigate hurricane impacts, combining advance... more This proposal presents groundbreaking strategies to mitigate hurricane impacts, combining advanced technologies with environmental sustainability. Key proposals include ideas how to disrupt tropical depressions to prevent hurricane formation; setting up mobile hurricane barrier systems; and redesigned levees systems.
The new ideas promise to contribute to development of mechanisms that can significantly reduce economic losses, infrastructure damage, and environmental disruption caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. By proactively targeting hurricanes at inception and enhancing coastal resilience, this approach offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution.
Fire hazards, including urban fires and wildfires, cause catastrophic losses to lives, property, ... more Fire hazards, including urban fires and wildfires, cause catastrophic losses to lives, property, and communities each year. Existing mitigation measures focus on suppression and alarms, leaving gaps in personal protection and property preservation. This proposal introduces three innovative solutions: the Fire Protection Vest, Storage Bag System, and the Fire-Protective House Enclosure System.
These solutions, which are experimental ideas, are scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable, addressing critical gaps in fire preparedness. They enhance personal and property safety while reducing fire impacts on vulnerable households and communities.
Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, cause massive damage in the USA on a regular... more Natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, cause massive damage in the USA on a regular basis. Most of the actions taken to limit the damage they cause have been limited to early warning systems and recovery and restoration efforts. On the other hand, preventive measures have been far and between and few have shown any significant result. This paper presents an experimental technique which, if implemented properly, can provide a chance to develop preventive measures that can thwart developing tornado systems.
This paper is an attempt made to discern scientific truths hidden in the Bible. Equally, it is an... more This paper is an attempt made to discern scientific truths hidden in the Bible. Equally, it is an attempt to show how God predicted some of the scientific-cum-technological marvels of the modern era. The exegesis may or may not convince you, but at least it is worth trying to see how much the Bible comes to speak science.
This article builds upon the foundational insights of the earlier work, "Daniel Chapter Seven: A ... more This article builds upon the foundational insights of the earlier work, "Daniel Chapter Seven: A New Perspective," by extending it in two directions. The first section offers an integrated analysis of the visions presented in multiple chapters of the Book of Daniel, weaving them into a cohesive framework. The second section seeks to establish a correspondence between historical events and the prophetic imagery of Daniel Chapter Seven. The second section highlights the vision's relevance to the political dynamics of the last days.
Commentators frequently lean on literal and historical interpretation of Daniel's visions. Howe... more Commentators frequently lean on literal and historical interpretation of Daniel's visions. However, this approach falls short of revealing the divine mind expressed in the forms of symbols and figurative language. This article focuses on Daniel Chapter 7 and uses an interpretive method that prioritizes the symbolic and figurative. Furthermore, to show the dream's end-time significance, the analysis draws parallels between the dream and modern-day political realities.
This is the second part of a series of articles dealing with the (re)interpretation of Daniel Cha... more This is the second part of a series of articles dealing with the (re)interpretation of Daniel Chapter Eight. Part II focuses on discussing the historical evidences that support the (re)interpretation of the end times events described in Daniel Chapter Eight.
This article, using Daniel Chapter 8, develops and uses a non- figurative interpretative approac... more This article, using Daniel Chapter 8, develops and uses a non- figurative interpretative approach to the identification of the Antichrist. The article relies on an inductive hermeneutics for its investigation and conclusion. The paper aims at enhancing the understanding of Daniel's literature.
Daniel 9:24-27 is widely regarded as one of the most obscure and debated passages in the Bible. D... more Daniel 9:24-27 is widely regarded as one of the most obscure and debated passages in the Bible. Due to its complexity, it has given rise to divergent interpretations and has served as the foundation for differing schools of eschatology. This study offers a fresh perspective on the passage, grounded in typology and biblical cycles.
First, it reinterprets the core term in the vision, “70 weeks”, not as a reference to a seven-year cycle, as commonly assumed, but rather as a coded reference to the jubilee-year cycle. This approach aligns the prophecy with Israel’s established biblical framework of restoration and redemption.
Secondly, drawing from New Testament passages such as 1 Peter 1:10-12, this study applies the terms “thy people” and “thy city” typologically, understanding them as references to the church rather than ethnic Israel.
Thirdly, the study treats the “70 weeks” as an uninterrupted prophetic timeline, spanning the two millennia between Christ’s first and second comings. This continuous interpretation challenges traditional gap theories and presents a unified eschatological progression.
Fourthly, it draws upon the typological significance of Israel’s high holy days, particularly the fall feasts, to elucidate their eschatological meaning. By examining these feasts through the lens of biblical prophecy, the study uncovers deeper connections between God’s appointed times and the fulfillment of redemption history.
Finally, it explores the concept of the parallel restoration of modern-day Israel and the church, examining its implications in light of Israel’s current war. This perspective seeks to demonstrate how contemporary events hold eschatological significance for the global body of believers, reinforcing the prophetic role of Israel in God’s redemptive timeline.
By integrating these key elements, this study offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to Daniel’s prophecy, shedding new light on its meaning for both Israel and the church today.
The article explores the possibility of simultaneous political liberalization and democratization... more The article explores the possibility of simultaneous political liberalization and democratization in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The paper raises points that can serve as underlying resources and principles to bring the political futures of the two countries and peoples closer, to the point of union. As the paper is written in 2016, it does not predict and discuss the 2020-21 civil war in Ethiopia, which also drew in Eritrea into the fry to a degree.
The study evaluates the track record of various international relations theory related to their p... more The study evaluates the track record of various international relations theory related to their predictions about the state of the world following the end of the Cold War in 1989. The study uses level of military spending in post-Cold War years as a indicator of global security.
Ethiopia experienced regime change in 1991 followed by market-oriented market reforms that focuse... more Ethiopia experienced regime change in 1991 followed by market-oriented market reforms that focused on privatization, retrenchment, currency devaluation, and export-orientation. However, Ethiopia in the meantime lost access to its Red Sea ports as Eritrea seceded in 1993. This study evaluates the impact of these changes on Ethiopia's external trade (i.e., exports and imports). Results show that currency devaluation shows significant linkage with imports only. Despite the loss of her ports, Ethiopia's external trade has thrived.
This study examines the issue of Sub-Saharan African economic recovery by taking three major fact... more This study examines the issue of Sub-Saharan African economic recovery by taking three major factors as its focus; namely (i) the market-based economic reform program which several SSA countries have implemented, technically known as Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP), (ii) political liberalization in the form of democratization, and (iii) the recent primary commodities price boom of which Africa has been one of the major beneficiaries. But the question is what has been the relative impact of these factors on SSA economic growth, particularly that of the controversial SAP whose effectiveness has been debated widely. To evaluate the relative effects of each of these potential drivers of economic growth, the study used pooled time series data from 25 SSA nations covering the period 1980 to 2004. Results show that even under various model specifications, SAP shows significant negative impact on SSA economic growth for the period, while democracy shows a consistent positive effect on GDP growth. On the other hand, of the various commodities price categories considered, namely, agricultural commodities, metal, and crude oil, only the international price of metals shows a significant positive impact on SSA economic growth.
Studies made on Africa's democratization were of two of kinds. Either they dealt with the initiat... more Studies made on Africa's democratization were of two of kinds. Either they dealt with the initiation of democratization in the early years of reform (1989-1991), or else they focused on country-level case studies while covering a longer time span. This study for the first time examines the continent-wide democratic consolidation by covering the period 1991-2003. The study's focus is on the identification of the important factors that have contributed to this process. Moreover, the study also develops some continent-specific typologies that are believed to enhance our understandings, and also inform future research, on the various trajectories of political change seen in Africa.
The objective of the study is to investigate the potential linkage between trade protectionism an... more The objective of the study is to investigate the potential linkage between trade protectionism and the domestic price level. International trade theory leads us to expect that high levels of barriers to imports to lead to a rise in the domestic price level. However, current research in this field lacked comprehensiveness by only looking at individual countries, and provides us only with inconclusive results. This paper by continuing the line of research in this area, looked at a panel data of 35 developing countries for the period 1987–93. Results from this study indicate inflation to be mainly a problem of unrestrained money creation, and particularly a Latin American phenomenon. However, the result failed to conform theoretical expectations of positive relations between inflation and the tariff rate.
For developing countries, large state size means greater cultural diversity and core-periphery ba... more For developing countries, large state size means greater cultural diversity and core-periphery based development and equity problems. Hence, “large size" is hypothesized to be a drag on nation-, state-, and democracy-building processes. On the other hand, “small size’’ is hypothesized to foster these processes (i) by facilitating exchange and interdependence among diverse social groups, (ii) by enabling rapid responsiveness and public service provision by the government, and (iii) by enhancing the public’s ability to organize and lobby the government for change.
On two counts, this study is different from previous studies which investigated the size of countries. First, many studies either used population as a measure of country size, or even when they used land area, they used it as a dependent variable. This study uses land area as a measure of size and uses it as its main explanatory variable. Secondly, by arguing that what is being questioned about the effects of large size can be mitigated by demography, the study also investigates the effects of population settlement patterns. Therefore, it uses population concentration and urbanization rate as alternative main explanatory variables to investigate the more nuanced aspect of country size, in its impact on indicators of governance,.
The study analyzes cross-sectional data for some 137 countries for the year 2006. Results from two-way and regression analyses show that land area, population density, and urbanization rate all have the hypothesized effect on political stability and government effectiveness. However, the expected impact of geography and demography variables on democracy is generally absent.
One of the most enigmatic signs of the end-times is the "abomination of desolation," first mentio... more One of the most enigmatic signs of the end-times is the "abomination of desolation," first mentioned by the prophet Daniel and later reiterated by the Lord Jesus Christ. Traditionally, the temple or sanctuary made desolate by the abomination of transgression has been interpreted as a physical structure. However, based on the New Testament recasting of the term "temple" to refer to the believer's physical body, this concept in this article is reinterpreted to signify profound human suffering—such as humiliation and rejection—experienced by figures like Job, the psalmist, Jeremiah, the Apostle Paul, and even the Messiah as depicted in Isaiah 53.
The analysis is presented with the hope that it can enrich our understanding of Bible prophecies concerning the end times.
One of the most enigmatic concepts in biblical eschatology is the identity of the two witnesses m... more One of the most enigmatic concepts in biblical eschatology is the identity of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation, Chapter 11. Historically, various candidates have been proposed to identify them. Most interpreters have understood them as two literal individuals, with popular pairings including Enoch and Elijah, Moses and Elijah, or Peter and Paul. Others have interpreted them in non-personal terms, such as Israel and the Church, or the Old Testament and the New Testament. This article adopts an unconventional approach to identifying the two witnesses, primarily relying on typology, analogy, and figurative symbolism. It draws its main inspiration from Zechariah, Chapter 4, which is prominently alluded to in Revelation 11, as the foundation for identifying the two witnesses. Additionally, the article re-examines other Old and New Testament passages to support this new line of interpretation.
Note: Version 2 is the recasting of the the same idea presented in version 1 of my article of the same title.
One of the most enigmatic concepts in biblical eschatology is the identity of the two witnesses m... more One of the most enigmatic concepts in biblical eschatology is the identity of the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation, Chapter 11. Historically, various candidates have been proposed to identify them. Most interpreters have understood them as two literal individuals, with popular pairings including Enoch and Elijah, Moses and Elijah, or Peter and Paul. Others have interpreted them in non-personal terms, such as Israel and the Church, or the Old Testament and the New Testament. This article adopts an unconventional approach to identifying the two witnesses, primarily relying on typology, analogy, and figurative symbolism. It draws its main inspiration from Zechariah, Chapter 4, which is prominently alluded to in Revelation 11, as the foundation for identifying the two witnesses. Additionally, the article re-examines other Old and New Testament passages to support this new line of interpretation.
The Israel-Palestinian conflict has run unresolved for more than seven decades. The conflict has ... more The Israel-Palestinian conflict has run unresolved for more than seven decades. The conflict has remained one potential source of tension and war in the Middle East region. All peacemaking attempts to resolve the conflict has failed so far. This paper discusses a possible peace plan from a biblical perspective.
The paper analyzes Ethiopia's ethnic-based politics using four primary categories in a new theore... more The paper analyzes Ethiopia's ethnic-based politics using four primary categories in a new theoretical framework. A new analytical framework is presented as a possible toolkit for solving our long-standing problem related to ethnic-based politics.
This paper is Part I of a longer article. Part I introduces the theoretical framework and discusses Tigrayan ethno-nationalism as spearheaded by the TPLF.
This article discusses the risk of state fragmentation Ethiopia faces and the prospects of nation... more This article discusses the risk of state fragmentation Ethiopia faces and the prospects of national salvation.
The paper discusses why either of the two purposed solutions to the Israel-Palestinian problem co... more The paper discusses why either of the two purposed solutions to the Israel-Palestinian problem could not work because of the cross-purposes of four powerful stakeholders in the conflict. The paper suggests a solution which meets the basic goals of each of the four stakeholders while at the same time addresses their deep-seated fears. The solution envisions a phased development in the process of integrating the two societies, suggesting trust building mechanisms that include institutional innovations and cross-cultural community interactions.
The paper examines the origins and development of the Iran and Saudi Arabia rivalry to be dominan... more The paper examines the origins and development of the Iran and Saudi Arabia rivalry to be dominant force in the Middle East and guiding light in the Islamic world. The paper considers the fallout of the rivalry on countries such as The USA, Israel, and Turkey.
After sixteen years of military and political engagement in Afghanistan, the U.S. is not any clos... more After sixteen years of military and political engagement in Afghanistan, the U.S. is not any closer to its goal of achieving a stable democratic Afghanistan. Efforts to stabilize Afghanistan have been thwarted by the insurgency led by the Taliban, the group the U.S. has toppled sixteen years ago. Today, even U.S. senior generals do not see victory in Afghanistan, but a stalemate. This paper maintains that what the U.S. basically has in Afghanistan is not a Taliban or a Pakistan problem, but a conceptual error problem. Because of this error, the U.S. is in a vicious cycle that keeps conflating state-building with nation-building and violates the essence of nation-building. The paper presents strategies by which the U.S. can exit from Afghanistan, leaving behind a country which is stable and never harbors terrorist groups.
Evolution of development thought in Ethiopia over the 1900-1991 period was studied. The results o... more Evolution of development thought in Ethiopia over the 1900-1991 period was studied. The results of the study indicate that depending on the alleged causes of backwardness, the envisaged strategies to speed up economic development and the major areas of emphasis, the entire study period could be divided into three distinct sub-periods. The first sub-period (1900-1935) can be qualified as relatively calm. Development related literature during this period was scarce and the few enlightened Ethiopians who wrote in this period expressed reform-oriented ideas which were meant to be implemented in co-operation with the political leaders. During the second sub-period (1941- 1974) development literature took a normative form. In reality, given the fact that written documents reprobating the political, social and economic policies were strictly forbidden, intellectuals of this period made themselves heard through various novels. It is worth pointing out that during this period some intellectuals opposed the system with manly firmness and did all what they could to fine-tune it. During the third sub-period (1974-1991) different development ideas ranging from ultra-liberalism to hardline Marxism were expressed. However, through time the military junta assumed dominion over the ideas of others, setting up its own development thought as the only truth and infallible dogma, and imposed it on others. Though the writings considered in this study had some drawbacks, they kindled the feelings of change in the people. The authors were pioneers of reform ideas and never failed to point out that as a prerequisite for economic development, people of varying persuasions and ambitions should work together.
This study investigates the impact of regional instability on military spending, addressing a cri... more This study investigates the impact of regional instability on military spending, addressing a critical gap in empirical security studies where regional-level dynamics are often neglected. The research adopts a two-pronged approach. First, it empirically examines the mechanisms of the spillover effect, exploring how instability in one country spreads to its neighbors. Second, using a large-N panel dataset of 126 countries (1990–2005), it analyzes the relationship between regional instability and military burden, defined as the share of military expenditure in GDP. Additionally, the study investigates the "new country" phenomenon, a byproduct of the post-Cold War era, wherein the emergence of new states has frequently triggered regional conflicts due to contested borders, internal power struggles, or ethnic expulsions.
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Drafts by Teddy Desta
The new ideas promise to contribute to development of mechanisms that can significantly reduce economic losses, infrastructure damage, and environmental disruption caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. By proactively targeting hurricanes at inception and enhancing coastal resilience, this approach offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution.
These solutions, which are experimental ideas, are scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable, addressing critical gaps in fire preparedness. They enhance personal and property safety while reducing fire impacts on vulnerable households and communities.
First, it reinterprets the core term in the vision, “70 weeks”, not as a reference to a seven-year cycle, as commonly assumed, but rather as a coded reference to the jubilee-year cycle. This approach aligns the prophecy with Israel’s established biblical framework of restoration and redemption.
Secondly, drawing from New Testament passages such as 1 Peter 1:10-12, this study applies the terms “thy people” and “thy city” typologically, understanding them as references to the church rather than ethnic Israel.
Thirdly, the study treats the “70 weeks” as an uninterrupted prophetic timeline, spanning the two millennia between Christ’s first and second comings. This continuous interpretation challenges traditional gap theories and presents a unified eschatological progression.
Fourthly, it draws upon the typological significance of Israel’s high holy days, particularly the fall feasts, to elucidate their eschatological meaning. By examining these feasts through the lens of biblical prophecy, the study uncovers deeper connections between God’s appointed times and the fulfillment of redemption history.
Finally, it explores the concept of the parallel restoration of modern-day Israel and the church, examining its implications in light of Israel’s current war. This perspective seeks to demonstrate how contemporary events hold eschatological significance for the global body of believers, reinforcing the prophetic role of Israel in God’s redemptive timeline.
By integrating these key elements, this study offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to Daniel’s prophecy, shedding new light on its meaning for both Israel and the church today.
Papers by Teddy Desta
On two counts, this study is different from previous studies which investigated the size of countries. First, many studies either used population as a measure of country size, or even when they used land area, they used it as a dependent variable. This study uses land area as a measure of size and uses it as its main explanatory variable. Secondly, by arguing that what is being questioned about the effects of large size can be mitigated by demography, the study also investigates the effects of population settlement patterns. Therefore, it uses population concentration and urbanization rate as alternative main explanatory variables to investigate the more nuanced aspect of country size, in its impact on indicators of governance,.
The study analyzes cross-sectional data for some 137 countries for the year 2006. Results from two-way and regression analyses show that land area, population density, and urbanization rate all have the hypothesized effect on political stability and government effectiveness. However, the expected impact of geography and demography variables on democracy is generally absent.
The analysis is presented with the hope that it can enrich our understanding of Bible prophecies concerning the end times.
Note: Version 2 is the recasting of the the same idea presented in version 1 of my article of the same title.
The new ideas promise to contribute to development of mechanisms that can significantly reduce economic losses, infrastructure damage, and environmental disruption caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. By proactively targeting hurricanes at inception and enhancing coastal resilience, this approach offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution.
These solutions, which are experimental ideas, are scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable, addressing critical gaps in fire preparedness. They enhance personal and property safety while reducing fire impacts on vulnerable households and communities.
First, it reinterprets the core term in the vision, “70 weeks”, not as a reference to a seven-year cycle, as commonly assumed, but rather as a coded reference to the jubilee-year cycle. This approach aligns the prophecy with Israel’s established biblical framework of restoration and redemption.
Secondly, drawing from New Testament passages such as 1 Peter 1:10-12, this study applies the terms “thy people” and “thy city” typologically, understanding them as references to the church rather than ethnic Israel.
Thirdly, the study treats the “70 weeks” as an uninterrupted prophetic timeline, spanning the two millennia between Christ’s first and second comings. This continuous interpretation challenges traditional gap theories and presents a unified eschatological progression.
Fourthly, it draws upon the typological significance of Israel’s high holy days, particularly the fall feasts, to elucidate their eschatological meaning. By examining these feasts through the lens of biblical prophecy, the study uncovers deeper connections between God’s appointed times and the fulfillment of redemption history.
Finally, it explores the concept of the parallel restoration of modern-day Israel and the church, examining its implications in light of Israel’s current war. This perspective seeks to demonstrate how contemporary events hold eschatological significance for the global body of believers, reinforcing the prophetic role of Israel in God’s redemptive timeline.
By integrating these key elements, this study offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to Daniel’s prophecy, shedding new light on its meaning for both Israel and the church today.
On two counts, this study is different from previous studies which investigated the size of countries. First, many studies either used population as a measure of country size, or even when they used land area, they used it as a dependent variable. This study uses land area as a measure of size and uses it as its main explanatory variable. Secondly, by arguing that what is being questioned about the effects of large size can be mitigated by demography, the study also investigates the effects of population settlement patterns. Therefore, it uses population concentration and urbanization rate as alternative main explanatory variables to investigate the more nuanced aspect of country size, in its impact on indicators of governance,.
The study analyzes cross-sectional data for some 137 countries for the year 2006. Results from two-way and regression analyses show that land area, population density, and urbanization rate all have the hypothesized effect on political stability and government effectiveness. However, the expected impact of geography and demography variables on democracy is generally absent.
The analysis is presented with the hope that it can enrich our understanding of Bible prophecies concerning the end times.
Note: Version 2 is the recasting of the the same idea presented in version 1 of my article of the same title.
A new analytical framework is presented as a possible toolkit for solving our long-standing problem related to ethnic-based politics.
This paper is Part I of a longer article. Part I introduces the theoretical framework and discusses Tigrayan ethno-nationalism as spearheaded by the TPLF.
This paper maintains that what the U.S. basically has in Afghanistan is not a Taliban or a Pakistan problem, but a conceptual error problem. Because of this error, the U.S. is in a vicious cycle that keeps conflating state-building with nation-building and violates the essence of nation-building. The paper presents strategies by which the U.S. can exit from Afghanistan, leaving behind a country which is stable and never harbors terrorist groups.