Beyond Comparison: Why Medemer Deserves a New Kind of Debate
By Lensa (Aida) Mekonnen October 15th 2025
True growth often begins unseen. While the world typically measures progress by visible outcomes, the most profound shifts start as nascent ideologies, slowly taking root in the fabric of human civilization. As empires rise and fall, these foundational ideas can cement themselves into our very existence.
We have a complex relationship with history. We celebrate its lessons for shaping our future, yet we frown upon the burdensome legacy it can impose. This duality has sparked a modern movement: the quest for a golden balance in how we utilize our past. It is a testament to our desire for the best of both worlds—a balance that, thus far, remains elusive.
In our current paradigm, an idea is seldom considered impactful unless it is powered by historical knowledge or existing growth ideologies. We demand proof of thought, often in the form of references to prior thinkers or scientific validation. This raises a critical question: what makes an idea original if it must first be proven that others have already thought of it?
This is especially true for core global agendas—be it democratic politics, wealth-creating economics, or rights-based social and environmental frameworks. New thinking in these areas is often required to conform to the very boxes it seeks to transcend.
Yet, herein lies the promise of our time: these confines can be challenged. Ideas intrinsic to one’s being can now be voiced through global channels and subjected to real-time validation across disciplines. Worthwhile ideologies can be presented without geographical bounds, accessible to anyone willing to explore, experiment, and contribute to a reformation of thought.
This is the opportunity for “Medemer.” Born in Ethiopia but offered to the world, Medemer is a thought process that invites engagement in a new ideological formation. It should not be preemptively filtered through comparison with existing models. Instead, its originality, founded on the lived experience of its architect, deserves primary focus. Comparative analysis should follow the experimental testing of its framework for nation-building, development, and resource management.
It is the duty of all involved in Ethiopia’s national transformation to grant such ideas not just the benefit of doubt, but a genuine opportunity for experimentation at a reasonable scale. From there, a proven model can be showcased to the world as a new tool for accelerating human progress.
From a research and development perspective, the assignment for our academicians and political actors is clear: engage with Medemer. Provide critique not to agree or disagree, but to rationally and practically prove its validity or invalidity. The goal is to improve, advance, and strengthen this ideological offering for maximum impact—a objective exercise aimed at refinement, not subjective invalidation.
October 15th 2025