Yonas Tariku(PhD)Hailemichaeal Temesgen2025-12-022025-12-022025-06https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7568This study explores the evolving relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia within the context of the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, a transnational terrorist group that continues to destabilize the Horn of Africa. Drawing on key informant interviews, official government documents, media reports, and scholarly sources, the research examines how Al-Shabaab influences bilateral relations acting simultaneously as a driver of tactical cooperation and a source of strategic mistrust. The findings indicate that although shared security threats have led to joint military operations and intelligence sharing, longstanding territorial disputes, foreign influence, and propaganda-driven mistrust continue to undermine long-term diplomatic progress. The paper concludes that future stability hinges on institutionalized cooperation, economic interdependence, inclusive counterterrorism frameworks, and confidence-building mechanisms.enAl-ShabaabEthiopia–Somalia relationscommon security threatpersistent threatcounter terrorismhostility and cooperation.Thesis