The Bilateral Diplomatic Relation between Ethiopia and Kenya Since2018: Continuities and Challenges
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Date
2024-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Bilateral diplomacy is an ancient sort of diplomacy. As the prefix ‘Bi’ indicates, bilateral diplomacy is a diplomatic relation between and among the two states. The bilateral diplomacy is significant since the core area of the relationship is for cooperation and mutual benefit. Ethiopia, the ancient state in the world has had bilateral diplomatic relations with the neighboring countries and beyond. The study attempted to examine Ethiopia and Kenya's bilateral diplomatic relations in the context of continuity and challenges, by anchoring historical relations and tracing internal and external dynamics based on both sides' desire to be the hegemon in the region, with a focus on the period since 2018. Thus, a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design was utilized in this study. Accordingly, the study adopted both primary and secondary sources and, evaluated, examined, and analyzed the sources used in the study. The study identified that the dual relationship between the two countries has had a cooperative and hegemonic rivalry nature since 2018 from both sides and as a result, there are opportunities and challenges regarding the cordial relations between the two countries. Therefore, it is recommended that hegemony is a means to an end. Since there is a sort of dual relation- Ethiopia's cooperative and hegemonic rivalry with Kenya, Ethiopia must aim to establish a balance of power and achieve regional hegemony by employing the English School notion of societal integration, structural realism-offensive and defensive thinking, and idealism-economic development. To challenge regional hegemony, Ethiopia must take pragmatic political, social, and economic measures toward its neighbors, particularly Somalia. Moreover, Ethiopia must acquire internal peace and security to pursue regional power and to have a balanced dual relationship with Kenya. Key Words: Bilateral Diplomacy, Hegemony, Rivalry, Cooperation, Since 2018, Opportunities, Challenges
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Bilateral Diplomacy, Hegemony, Rivalry, Cooperation, Since 2018, Opportunities, Challenges