Emperor Haile Selassie’s leadership has helped to contain the various pressures on the Ethiopian government since 1916. The individual emperor’s power has been a crucial factor in determining Ethiopia’s ability to resist foreign invasion. Symbols of the imperial office, such as anointment and the legendary descent from Solomon and Sheba, help to consolidate imperial authority, but the actual bases of imperial powers are determined by the sources of control. Consequently authority is revered as long as it is effective. After focusing on Haile Selassie’s use of leadership skills and his management of the Ethiopian empire, the author examines his innovational role.
