HomeOnline Political CourseLevel 1: Beginner Level

Level 1: Beginner Level

Historical Perspectives

Eritrea: Foundations of Nationhood and Political Identity

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course introduces learners to the political, historical, and philosophical foundations of Eritrea. It examines the country’s pre colonial history, colonial era experience, history of liberation struggle, and post independence nation building principles. Students will gain the analytical tools to understand Eritrea’s governance philosophy, its resilience against external pressures, and its central role in the Horn of Africa.

Duration Language Format Assessment
🗓️ 8 Weeks 🗣️ English 💻 90min Weekly ✍️ Essays & Dialogue
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the historical evolution of Eritrea from early civilizations to independence.
  • Analyze the factors shaping Eritrea’s identity and governance philosophy.
  • Evaluate key historical documents and speeches shaping the nation’s course.
  • Engage in informed discussions about Eritrea’s political narrative in regional and global contexts.
COURSE STRUCTURE Modules

Week 1: Introduction: Why Study Eritrea?

  • Overview of Eritrea’s geography, people, and ethnic composition
  • Historical significance in the Horn of Africa
  • Understanding historical narrative vs. political propaganda
Reading
  1. EPLF Charter (1977), “Eritrea:
  2. A Nation Born of Struggle” (selected excerpts)
Week 1 – assessments:
  1. Assignment: Reflection on how geography shapes identity
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 2: From Ancient Civilizations to Colonial Rule

  • Early settlements and trade routes (Adulis, Medri Bahri)
  • Italian colonization and infrastructure legacy (1889-1941)
  • British administration and the rise of political consciousness
Reading
  1. The History of Eritrea by Jordan Gebre-Medhin
Week 2 – assessments:
  1. Discussion: Colonial influence on modern state formation
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 3: Federation and Annexation: The Road to Conflict

  • UN Resolution 390 (V) and Eritrea’s federation with Ethiopia
  • The 1952 Constitution and its betrayal
  • Emergence of nationalist movements (ELF, EPLF)
Reading
  1. UN Federation Document 1952;
  2. Selected EPLF historical notes
Week 3 – assessments:
  1. Assignment: Timeline exercise, Key milestones from 1950 to 1975
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 4: The Liberation Struggle: Ideology and Organization

  • Evolution of the Eritrean armed struggle
  • Women, youth, and community participation
  • The EPLF’s political program and social transformation
Reading
  1. EPLF National Charter (1977)
  2. Excerpts from Eritrea: Never Kneel Down
Week 4 – assessments:
  1. Activity: Group analysis, Self-reliance as a wartime vs nation building philosophy
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 5: Independence and Nation-Building (1991–1997)

  • The transition from liberation movement to state
  • Constitutional drafting process and participatory governance
  • Nation-building pillars: unity, equity, and development
Reading
  1. Eritrean Constitution (1997);
  2. President Isaias Afwerki’s Independence Day speech 1993
Week 5 – assessments:
  1. Assignment: Short essay, Challenges of building a new nation
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 6: Governance Philosophy and Political Culture

  • Principles of self-reliance, social justice, and collective responsibility
  • PFDJ and national service: continuity of the liberation ethos
  • Political culture vs. Western democratic models
Reading
  1. “Self-Reliance and the Eritrean Development Model”
  2. (PFDJ paper)
Week 6 – assessments:
  1. Discussion: Is Eritrea’s governance model misunderstood internationally?
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 7: Regional and International Relations

  • Eritrea’s diplomatic posture in the Horn of Africa
  • Relations with Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti, and the Red Sea region
  • The 1998–2000 border war and its long-term consequences
Reading
  1. Algiers Agreement (2000)
  2. UN Security Council excerpts on Eritrea
Week 7 – assessments:
  1. Case Study: Eritrea’s stance on regional integration and sovereignty
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Week 8: Contemporary Eritrea: Myths, Realities, and Future Outlook

  • Post-sanctions era and global re-engagement
  • Media narratives vs. national realities
  • Youth, diaspora, and the future of Eritrean identity
Reading
  1. GOE/Embassy communiqués (2018–2024)
Week 7 – assessments:
  1. Final Project: Policy reflection, “Explain how is the sanction was illegal and unjust
  2. Multiple choice assignment:

Assessment

Component Weight
Weekly reflections 30%
Participation in discussions 20%
Short essay (Week 5) 25%
Final policy reflection 25%