The Red Sea Security Dynamics and Its Implication on Ethiopia’s National Security
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Date
2024-06
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Addis Ababa Unversity
Abstract
The Red Sea has historically been central to Ethiopia's foreign policy and national security
concerns and source of contention. This study examines the contemporary security dynamics
of the Red Sea region and their impact on Ethiopia's economic and politico-military security.
It aims to have deeper understanding of how the region's evolving security dynamics, along
with Ethiopia's evolving approach to securing access to the sea, impact its national security.
The study finds out that two major factors impact Ethiopia’s security: Securitization of the
red sea and Ethiopia’s internal political dynamics. The complex security environment,
including regional competition and Ethiopia's landlocked status, heightens risks. While
access is strategically important, it creates new tensions. This study argues that Ethiopia's
existing vulnerabilities and national security threats will be further amplified by the
developments in the Red Sea region. In addition, the regional geopolitical dynamics will be
affected by Ethiopia’s recent assertive measures including implications in shifting alliances
and power dynamics in the region. The study is a qualitative research and employs the
Copenhagen international security theory to understand the regional dynamics as well as
Ethiopia’s policy direction. To gain deeper insights, analysis of historical documents and
contemporary sources and key informant interviews were conducted with experts, former and
current government officials, and military personnel. Non-probability sampling, specifically
purposive and snowball sampling methods is used to identify interviewees. Data is analyzed
thematically, guided by the research questions and the emerging themes from the collected
data. The study recognizes Ethiopia's complex role within the Red Sea and emphasizes the
need for strategic navigation in this dynamic environment. It also highlights the importance
of internal stability in minimizing vulnerabilities and pursuing national interests. This thesis
contributes to the existing scholarship by offering a critical analysis of how the evolving Red
Sea geopolitical landscape shapes Ethiopia's national security. It sheds light on the
challenges and opportunities Ethiopia faces in securing its interests and maintaining its
influence within the region
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Keywords
National Security, Securitization, Red Sea Security dynamics, political security, Economic Security, Military Security