In the context of being faced by scarce literature on African (middle) power analyses in an international state system that shifts towards multipolarity, this research investigates Ethiopia’s...Show moreIn the context of being faced by scarce literature on African (middle) power analyses in an international state system that shifts towards multipolarity, this research investigates Ethiopia’s current power position/status in the international state system by analyzing the country from a middle power lens, which also reveals how Ethiopia can become a fully-fledged middle power. The analysis looks at four definitional attributes that have been identified in the existing literature on middle powers and tries to identify to what extent Ethiopia fulfills these, namely: Positional/material capabilities, behavioral/normative patterns, identity and systemic impact attributes. Subsequently, Ethiopia’s shortcomings in these criteria are being used to form policy recommendations that should make Ethiopia a fully-fledged middle power in the future. Eventually, the analysis showcases that Ethiopia can be considered an “awkward middle power.” Accordingly, a set of three policy recommendations is presented that aims at tackling Ethiopia’s shortcomings of its domestic economy, its extra-regional engagement and its rather negative regional perception. Interestingly, more recently Ethiopia was able to achieve positive developments that strengthen its power position, hence why one could call it a “rising” awkward middle power, which is a trend that the policy recommendations try to stabilize. Ultimately, this study aims at opening a debate around Ethiopia’s and other African countries’ (middle) power status and invites critiques and further analyses of this under-analyzed regional branch of IR.Show less
Due to their geographic proximity, the Gulf and the Horn of Africa share a long history of economic, political and cultural ties. Recent years, however, have seen an unprecedented increase in the...Show moreDue to their geographic proximity, the Gulf and the Horn of Africa share a long history of economic, political and cultural ties. Recent years, however, have seen an unprecedented increase in the presence of Gulf actors in the Horn, accelerated by the Gulf-internal rivalry between Qatar on one side and the remaining members of the Gulf Cooperation Council on the other. With the help of the theoretical framework of Regional Security Complexes and the Spillover Effect, as well as process tracing methods, two country case studies examine how Gulf engagement, in particular the rivalry between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, further destabilizes an already fragile region: In Somalia, the tensions between core and periphery have been exacerbated as a result of Qatar backing the central government in Mogadishu and the UAE supporting the federal states. In Sudan, the complicated transition process is prolonged as a result of Gulf powers pursuing opposing agendas in the post-Bashir political environment.Show less
The thesis examines foreign policy behaviour in fractured states, which is argued to be more complex than in unitary nation states. The argument will be based on an assessment of foreign policy...Show moreThe thesis examines foreign policy behaviour in fractured states, which is argued to be more complex than in unitary nation states. The argument will be based on an assessment of foreign policy making in Ethiopia. The study specifically tries to investigate the influence of Ethiopia’s unique ethnic federal system on foreign policy making. It does so by applying a Neoclassical Realist framework to illuminate the dynamics between the international system and the domestic political settlement in shaping foreign policy responses. By making use of this framework, complex relations can be pointed out. Concluding the paper finds that even though Ethiopia is highly fractured along institutionalized ethnic lines, the foreign policy behaviour is predominantly determined by elitist strategies for regime survival. Nonetheless, the political core elite makes use of ethnic undertones to mobilize resources in their interest and shape a preferable national narrative. It will be shown that foreign policy and the national interest pursued are defined by the core elite to suit their strategies of regime survivalShow less
This thesis explores the impact that the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea has had on the breakdown of Eritrea's diplomatic relationships. It conducts an examination of formal resolution...Show moreThis thesis explores the impact that the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea has had on the breakdown of Eritrea's diplomatic relationships. It conducts an examination of formal resolution process, the dynamics of Eritrean foreign policy and the impact of its strategic choices. It concludes, that the border conflict cannot be seen as the sole cause for the disintegration of its external relationships.Show less
