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Analysis of Foreign Affairs and National
Analysis of Foreign Affairs and National
R.Durga Prasad
Assistant Professor; Department of Management, CBE, Adigrat University, Ethiopia
Abstract
Foreign relations policy is national policy which consists of self-interest strategies chosen by the
country to preserve its national interests and to achieve goals within its international
relations surroundings and it needs careful analytical predication on its causes and effects. Thus, this
is the literal and policy analysis one Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy and Strategy of the
FDR of Ethiopia. Under this policy analysis, the authors have tried to study the policy document and
its practical application in terms of the national stability and sovereignty and its positive and negative
on the peaceful; relation of Ethiopia with its cloth neighbors and other international organizations.
After the policy gab and its internal and external challenges are well identified, the authors have come
with possible conclusions and recommendations.
Key words: foreign policy, Ethiopia, national interest, globalization.
1. Introduction
Foreign policy is a set of goals, means, strategies, tactical structures and processes designed to attain
state or party objectives in international relations (Rosenau, 1961). Foreign policy is primarily
concerned with the pursuit of national interest and the attainment of national objectives. National
objectives are diverse and some of which vary from time to time. National security, however, stands
out first in the foreign policy of all countries. In light of this, Ethiopia’s diversified foreign relations
with countries of different socioeconomic and political orientations have contributed to its “national
self-preservation” (Rubenson, 1976). Maintaining of national security alone cannot be an end by itself
in foreign policy. Foreign policy in its overall nature has to contribute to the domestic development
efforts of a country, peace, stability, and raise the living standard of the people.
There is unity between domestic and foreign policy. Foreign policy of a country emanates from
domestic environment. A foreign policy maker takes into considerations both external and internal
environments in foreign policy making process. This relationship makes one influence the other in its
making and that is why it is said, “foreign policy is nothing more than a by-product of domestic
politics (Macridis, 1976).
Foreign policy is a systematic arrangement of states’ national interests in their relations with other
states. The setting of national interest takes into consideration different variables of national and
international characters. The internal character contain variables such as economic power, military
strengths, natural endowment, level of technological development, geographic location, etc., which are
some to mention. The techniques of identifying the relevant foreign policy variables from the
irrelevant ones need an institutional approach and scientific analysis.
Ethiopia stands one of the oldest countries in international relations. Nevertheless, its foreign relations
began to take modern shape under Haile Selassie I. It is during his period that permanent
representations have begun and diplomatic missions were opened in many countries. Haile Selassie
oversaw Ethiopia’s early participation in international relations. In this respect he became an
international figure (Arka Abota, 2002).
There can be no doubt that the attainment of speedy economic development, democratization and
peace is fundamental to the survival of the country which finds itself in a state of abject poverty and
backwardness. That is why the Government gives priority to matters that are key to our survival and
The former governments pursued external relations and national security policies that disregarded
internal problems that were fundamental to our national condition. Rather, the effort was to focus on
the outside world and to look in from the outside, as it were. Such an approach could not adequately
protect our national interest and security.
There is no point in trying to pursue a foreign relations and national security policy to be implemented
externally without a major and effective in-country effort to realize our vision of development and
democratization.
It should also be noted that the foreign policies of past governments were, in part, founded on a ‘siege
mentality’ which considered the country to be surrounded by enemies. Its effects on the psychology of
the people and its adverse impact on our relations with the outside world cannot be underestimated.
These is, however, not to say that the country does not have external enemies or that all past policies
directed against those who were arrayed against the country were wrong.
What is essential is the necessity to carry out appropriate studies and assessments to distinguish
between those whose interests would be negatively affected by our development and democratization
efforts, and those who mistakenly believe that their interests would be negatively affected in this way.
It would subsequently be proper to pursue a policy and strategy that would reduce the dangers and
threats while ensuring that speedy economic development and democratization process.
Currently, Ethiopia has formulated its own foreign affairs and security policy towards the external
environments. Starting from the basic policy principles, the policy provides strategic foreign relation
directions of the country towards the horn of Africa (Eritrea, Somali, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya) and
IGAD, significance relation with other African states, middle east countries (Egypt), Arabian Gulf
Countries (Yemen), North African countries, Israel, Turkey and Iran, European Union and Russian
Federation, USA, Asian countries with Japan, China and India. At the end, the policy shows the policy
direction of the state towards the International and non-governmental organizations.
2. Challenges the Policy
It is known that poverty is the only internal enemy that has not been removed still from Ethiopia.
Otherwise, Ethiopia is an independent country that never colonized by foreign countries. But, although
the state has a long history with its nation and nationalities without being colonized, there are internal
and external challenges they have been affect the struggle against poverty and backwardness. These
challenges are related to political, social and economical nature of the country itself in specific and its
neighbor countries and internationally in general. According to the policy,
“The philosophy behind our foreign policy is that our diplomatic activities have to serve the country’s
economic agenda and the objective the country has in advancing democracy. As has clearly been
indicated in our Foreign and National Security Policy and Strategy, it is not just the normal type of
economic development that we need, but a rapid one. That, we have said, is an imperative necessity
for maintaining the very viability of Ethiopia as a country. The same applies with respect to the work
we have in connection with our democratization agenda. For a country as diverse as Ethiopia, its
survival also hinges on the strengthening and deepening of democracy in our country.”
This indicates that domestic affair is the base to foreign relation policy of the country. But, to do that
there are challenges that may categorized as internal and external depending on their origin.
1.1 Internal challenges of the policy
These challenges are domestic challenges in the economic, social and political issues of the country.
The foreign relation policy should formulate based on the national interest of the country that could not
In general, what happen in other countries, the foreign affaire and security policy of Ethiopia is based
on the constitution of the land in development and building of democratic system, and the international
law. As a result Ethiopia has been playing a great role to create a peaceful and stable nation, continent
and glop. Therefore, this can become the response of challenges internally and externally.
4. Objectives of the Policy
The failure to realize development and democracy has resulted in our security being threatened. It has
meant that we have remained impoverished, dependent and unable to hold our heads high. The
prospect of disintegration cannot be totally ruled out. That is why it is imperative that we expedite
5.3 Full utilization of benefits based on proper analysis: - The most important of national interests
is economic development. According to the policy, lists of priorities are market opportunities,
investment, technical and financial support for internal economic development and democratization.
The state needs political, diplomatic, military and technical support for the maintenance of internal
security. We have to differentiate between assistance that contributes significantly to our development
and building of a democratic order and aid that has a more modest impact. This requires detailed
investigation. Foreign Service work should be based on studies and proper coordination.
5.4 Minimizing threats on the basis of proper analysis: - Before anything else, we need to identify
the sources of such threats. In so far as our main goal is development and democracy, what is
threatening is what hampers our efforts in promoting them. Our study of the sources of danger
involves identifying those forces whose interests could be negatively affected by the process of
development and democratization in Ethiopia. There may also be some who incorrectly believe to be
threatened by progress in Ethiopia, which requires further assessment. The strategy we employ to
The revised foreign relation policy direction towards Eritrea should include on the general and
formal policy. Unless, the ruling party in Eritrea could not stop its political interruption on Ethiopia
and in the horn of Africa.
The policy should consider the issues of water resource, natural wild life protection.
Especially, the right of Ethiopia to become a beneficiary on its water resource without external
influence should realize practically. The policy is subjected to have a detail policy direction
towards each member like, Nile Basin Initiatives countries.
The policy should able to attract foreign direct investors by making push factors on different
investment sectors.
Ethiopia, as a member of international communities like IGAD, is the first the first state in
scarifying its resources to insure peace and stability across the horn and Africa and the world; and
this should in a manner of national survival and interest. Means, the state should minimize the
military engagement on the neighbor countries like Sudan and Somalia beyond its policy
direction.
There are illegal movements of people across the nations and to avoid this, the policy should
able to reply these challenges.
The policy should promote the market opportunity of the country between neighbor countries
without interfering the interest of others.
Reference
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thesis submitted to school of Graudate Studies of Addis Ababa University in partial fulfillment
of the requirement for the degree of masters of the arts in international relations.
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