AAU Institutional Repository (AAU-ETD)
Addis Ababa University Institutional repository is an open access repository that collects,preserves, and disseminates scholarly outputs of the university. AAU-ETD archives' collection of master's theses, doctoral dissertations and preprints showcase the wide range of academic research undertaken by AAU students over the course of the University's long history.
How to Submit Your Work
The repository contains scholarly work, both unpublished and published, by current or former AAU faculty, staff, and students, including Works by AAU students as part of their masters, doctoral, or post-doctoral research
- All AAU faculty, staff, and students are invited to submit their work to the repository. Please contact the library at your college.
You may contact digirep@aau.edu.et.with any questions about the repository
Colleges,Institutes in AAU-ETD
Select a college,institute to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
The Dilemma of Post-Adwa Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy: Victories in Military Battlefields VS. Setbacks in Diplomacy
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-11-01) Leul Seyoum; Yonas Ashine
The study attempted to examines the underlying factor behind why successive Ethiopian regimes are constrained in their foreign policy and diplomatic negotiations albeit their victories in military battlefields. Accordingly, the thesis argues that internal, regional and global political dynamics affect Ethiopia‟s foreign policymaking and executions in post-Adowa period. The study used secondary sources of data; collected from relevant archives, documents, and literature. To substantiate and supplement the secondary data, the study also used primary data collected through key informant interview. Given the data gathered are qualitative, the study employed qualitative data analysis techniques. The finding of the study revealed that there is inseparable connection found between the military engagements of the Ethiopian state and the corresponding diplomatic strategies that have been employed in the post-war diplomacy period. Despite, a shift in orientation and style of foreign policy, domestic factors, and external factors remain the defining factors that constrains Ethiopian foreign policymaking and executions of post Adwa period. Beholding the trajectory of Ethiopian foreign policy post Adwa period, there is continuity amidst change. As a continuity, the core objective of ensuring national survival, territorial integrity, and regime survival remains a constant. Domestic and external factors consistently interact to shape the post Adwa period Ethiopian foreign policy and diplomacy. As a change, an "inside-out," economic diplomacy-oriented strategy (post-1991) that prioritises economic development and regional economic integration has replaced the military/security-focused "outside-in" approach (pre-1991). The use of military engagements giving way to multilateral diplomacy based on soft power.
Key words: War, Diplomacy, Ethiopia, Military, Foreign policy.
The Bilateral Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia since 2018: Challenges and Prospects
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-02-01) Mesoud Mohammed; Bayuligne Z. Bahru
Background and Context: Ethiopia and Somalia share significant commonalities, including contiguous territory, overlapping communities of shared culture, language, and religion. Yet these two states have also exhibited profound divergences rooted in ideological orientation, opposing great-power alliances during the Cold War, and disputes over territorial jurisdiction, resulting in bloody inter-state conflicts, most notably the Ogaden War of 1977–1978. Since the last decade, developments unfolding within and outside these states – including regime changes, regional geopolitical competitions, and the growing securitisation of the Red Sea corridor – have fundamentally re-shaped the nature of their bilateral relations.
Research Problem and Objectives: Against this backdrop, the present research aims to disentangle the history, dynamics, and evolution of Ethio-Somali diplomatic relations by focusing on the period from 2018 onwards. The study examines how historical context, domestic political reforms, regional geopolitical rivalry, and the roles of external actors intersect to shape the bilateral relationship, and what this means for the security of the Horn of Africa region.
Methodology: A qualitative research design employing a case study approach was used. Data were collected through semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with experts and practitioners in diplomacy, security, economics, and regional politics. Primary interview data were triangulated with secondary sources including peer-reviewed academic literature, policy reports, official documents, and media sources. Thematic, comparative, and process-tracing analyses were applied.
Key Findings: The findings highlight constrained diplomatic relations shaped by unhealed historical wounds, including the Ogaden War and Ethiopia‟s 2006 military intervention. In the post-2018 era, several factors have exerted determining effects: internal political transitions, Ethiopia‟s sea access pursuit, the 2024 Ethiopia–Somaliland MoU, and the growing influence of external actors including Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt. The study finds that the bilateral relationship simultaneously exhibits areas of cooperation – in counterterrorism, trade, and
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infrastructure – and serious structural bottlenecks rooted in historical grievances, contested sovereignty, and divergent national interests.
Conclusions and Implications: The study concludes that structural mistrust, unilateral diplomatic manoeuvres, and external actor involvement have repeatedly disrupted cooperation. Establishing a permanent bilateral commission, reforming regional governance, and pursuing multilateral approaches to sea access are among the key recommendations.
Keywords: Ethiopia–Somalia Relations; Horn of Africa; Diplomacy; Regional Security; Red Sea Geopolitics; Somaliland; IGAD; AU; Al-Shabaab; Sovereignty; State Fragility.
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia: an Assessment of Bilateral Relations Since 2018
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-01) Seid Muhammed; Bayuligne Zemedagegnehu
Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia have centuries old relations since ancient times. Ethiopia’s official diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia established in 1948. These relations are not developed mainly due to mistrust between the two nations. In their bilateral relations Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia have had both challenges and opportunities. After 2018 when the new government of Ethiopia holds the power, the situation of the two countries relations has begun to change significantly. The overall objective of this research is analysing the relations of the two nations since 2018. The goal of the study is to analyse the relations between the two nations, challenges and opportunities, historical trend and factors affecting the relations. The study indicates that after 2018 the relations between them have expanded from economic interactions to political and security cooperation. However investment and trade exchanges decreased due to different factors. Generally, the bilateral relations of the two states are transforming into a wide range sectors including cultural, economic, political and security sectors and the mistrust and suspicion between the two countries relations are decreasing as the two countries are deepening their relations.
Key Words: bilateral relations, bilateralism, multilateralism, diplomacy, foreign policy, Security, migration, economy
MA in International Relations and Diplomacy Economic Integration in the Horn of Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-01) Selamawit Debebe; Fekade Terefe
The Horn of Africa holds immense promise for economic prosperity. Located at a key intersection of trade routes, the region is rich in natural resources and fertile land. However, despite this potential, achieving full economic integration remains a difficult task.
This study examined the challenges and opportunities for economic integration in the Horn of Africa. It employed qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with key informants and document analysis. Through interviews with experts and analysis of documents the research identifies several key challenges. These include ongoing conflicts, political instability, weak leadership, and a lack of commitment from some governments. Additionally, insufficient infrastructure, technology, and financial systems create hurdles to trade and collaboration. External factors, such as the influence of new foreign powers and the legacy of colonialism, further complicate the situation.
Despite these challenges, there are reasons for hope. New regional leaders are increasingly supportive of integration, and a growing understanding of its economic benefits is creating positive momentum. International support and the involvement of emerging economies offer potential for investment and development that can drive regional economic growth.
This research aims to inform decision-making and contribute to the advancement of regional economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa. The findings, especially regarding how to overcome integration hurdles and foster collaboration, can be valuable for policymakers and leaders seeking to achieve sustainable economic growth in the region. Future research could delve deeper into specific areas, such as the potential role of emerging technologies or the design of targeted infrastructure projects to facilitate trade and development
Challenges and Opportunities of the Aid Management System of Ethiopia Since 2000
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05-01) Shalom Gebredingel; Asinake Kefale
This thesis explores the evolution, challenges, and opportunities of the aid management system in Ethiopia since 2000, a period marked by significant reforms and increased aid inflows. Drawing on policy analysis, institutional review, and stakeholder interviews, the study examines how Ethiopia has navigated the complexities of aligning donor support with national development priorities. Key focus areas include the effectiveness of the cooperation platforms, the Aid Management Platform (AMP), coordination between government and development partners, and the impact of shifting global aid paradigms. While external assistance has played a crucial role in financing development and building institutional capacity, issues such as fragmented aid flows, weak monitoring systems, and limited ownership continue to undermine aid effectiveness. The research concludes that strengthening country systems, enhancing transparency, and fostering genuine donor-government partnerships are essential for maximizing the developmental impact of aid.