Department of Political Science and International Studies Launches "Hub of Ideas" (የሀሳብማዕድ) Discussion Forum

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (DPSIS) under the Faculty of Social Sciences at Bahir Dar University launched the opening program of its bi-weekly public forum, "Hub of Ideas" (የሀሳብ ማዕድ), for the 2019 E.C. academic year under the theme "A World in Need of Political Science."

"Hub of Ideas" is a bi-weekly open platform for dynamic discussions, debates, and collaboration among students, faculty, researchers, political leaders, and policymakers.

Event Highlights

• Faculty Dean’s Opening Remarks: Dr. Ayele Tariku commended the department's rapid academic growth and encouraged a stronger focus on project-based initiatives.
• Keynote Address: Dr. Embiale Beyene, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Research, highlighted political science as the "Master Science," framing politics as both a pursuit of truth (science) and leadership through negotiation and persuasion (art).
• Global Order & Meritocracy: Dr. Desse Tilahun, Head of the Law and Justice Research Institute at the Amhara Regional State Supreme Court, presented "A World in Need of Political Science and the Call for Meritocracy," highlighting how global instability reinforces the need for political science.
• Student Political Analysis ("ሰሞንኛ"): Students Yordanos Mesafint and Muluqen Desalegn delivered multi-level political analyses on regional, national, continental, and international affairs.
• Book Review: Mr. Workineh Genet, Head of the Department, reviewed Dr. Desse Tilahun’s book, "Meritocracy and Building a Meritocratic Society," advocating for public appointments based on capability and expertise rather than affiliation or lineage.

Department Overview

Powered by 50 academic staff members, the department currently educates 301 students across three undergraduate and three postgraduate programs:

• 31 PhD Candidates
• 4 Master’s (MA) Students
• 266 Undergraduate (BA) Students