Changes and Continuities in Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy Since 1991
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Date
2023-10-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study focuses on the changes and continuities in the country's foreign policy since 1991. In terms of data gathering, this study consulted both primary and secondary sources of information. Primary data were collected through a series of interviews with key informants. Secondary data were collected from books, journals, published articles, speeches, published and unpublished documents, and internet archives. The study reveals that the post 1991 Ethiopia's foreign relations has been guided by the principle of good neighborliness and peaceful relations with both nearby and distant countries. However, the study found that due to uncertainties in the Horn of Africa region and some of its member states like Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, Ethiopia's foreign policy under the EPRDF's regime was flawed and initially characterized by passiveness which was reactive in nature. After the 2018, the country's foreign policy underwent another significant shift. The reconciliation with Eritrea after a two-decade-long stalemate received great support both regionally and internationally. On the other hand, this study identifies continuities in Ethiopia's foreign policy despite a change in regime. These include economic diplomacy, regional integration, and multilateralism. Additionally, the study thoroughly examines the challenges to the country's foreign policy. These challenges primarily stem from domestic political unrest, border disputes, terrorism, and cybersecurity. Finally, based on the empirical discussions, the researcher argues that Ethiopia's foreign policy should be guided by the principle of 'peace at home first' and assertive diplomacy.
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Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy, Ethiopia's foreign relations, economic diplomacy, regional integration