Michael Masrie

Michael Masrie was born in May 1990 in Gondar, Ethiopia. From an early age, he displayed a passion for music, songwriting, poetry, and literature—creative pursuits that nurtured his expressive voice and narrative sensibility. This artistic foundation later evolved into a deep intellectual engagement with history, foreign affairs, and diplomacy, shaping the multifaceted trajectory of his professional life.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University in 2013, followed by a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy in 2022. Since 2023, Michael has been pursuing a PhD in Peace and Security Studies at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa University.

Michael’s literary career began in late 2013 with the publication of his first poetry collection. He has since authored 14 additional books, many of which have achieved bestseller status in Ethiopia. His most recent publication, Virtual Handshakes: The New Frontier of Digital Diplomacy, explores how digital transformation is reshaping global diplomatic engagement.

Since entering the Ethiopian media landscape in 2014, Michael has built a distinguished career as a journalist, media strategist, and television host. He has conducted in-depth interviews with 47 ambassadors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Known for his incisive analysis and broad geopolitical knowledge, he is widely respected as a voice on international affairs. His commentary regularly features on prominent Ethiopian platforms such as ETV, ARTS, OBN, FANA, ENA, and The Ethiopian Herald, as well as international outlets including DW, VOA, The Africa Report, and Allen Dreyfus.

Michael’s core areas of expertise include international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, history, peace and security studies, conflict analysis, and journalism. Through his interdisciplinary work—as an author, editor, commentator, and researcher—he continues to shape public discourse and promote cultural and intellectual engagement in Ethiopia and beyond.