Review of Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy Responsiveness Capacity to Red Sea Militarization between 1991-2018

Abstract

Abstract This article aims to assess responsiveness capacity of Ethiopian foreign policy on political and militarization dynamics in the Red Sea region from 1991 to 2018. Primarily, the evaluation employs the Effectiveness and Adequacy policy measurement criteria to assess the foreign policy's responsiveness. The review employed explanatory and argumentative approaches to examine different sources. The study also designed a logical framework of analysis by incorporating relevant IR theories like Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST) and Realism. The analysis then divided foreign policy objectives into General objectives and specific objectives which include Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula. Consequently, Adequacy and effectiveness policy evaluation criteria are used as to examine whether or not Ethiopian foreign policy assumptions are aligning with the Red Sea political dynamics and effectively achieve the stated objectives. The study shows shortcomings in responsiveness of both adequacy and effectiveness criteria. This is due to change in prior policy assumptions caused by rapid global and regional power dynamics. nevertheless, country specific findings are different. In country such as Eritrea and the Arabian Peninsula the policy is found to be is ineffective and inadequate; where as in Somalia it’s both effective and adequate. on the other hand, policy towards Egypt bound to have adequate assumptions but not effective. Therefore, revision and adoption of a holistic policy towards Red Sea region recommended.