Ethiopia is a country of contrasts, struggling with the challenge to balance modernity with its traditional systems. In the last ten years, Ethiopian major cities have witnessed massive transformations in the area of development that have resulted in new social conditions. This fast track development process aspires to give room to individual liberty and prosperity. However, many of these ‘modern practices’ are imported from abroad and at times challenge and confront local contexts and culture. "What is "Zemenawinet"? : perspectives on Ethiopian modernity" comprises nine lectures which critically explore the intellectual and cultural contexts of the making of Ethiopian modernity.