Two-level game or the primacy of domestic politics? Ethiopia鈥檚 regional foreign policy after 2018
Emphasises need for policymakers analysing foreign policy in fragile nations to examine foreign policy鈥檚 role in domestic politics.
Abstract
Since 2018, Ethiopia鈥檚 foreign policy changes have been associated with positive outcomes, such as improved regional peace, economic growth in the Horn of Africa, and Eritrea鈥檚 democratization. However, this paper argues that these conclusions were influenced by policymakers鈥� biases and assumptions about foreign policy.
Ethiopia鈥檚 foreign policy shift under Abiy Ahmed has focused on consolidating domestic power through a deeply personalized and de-institutionalized approach to foreign affairs. While there are cosmetic similarities with the past, the substance of foreign policies differs significantly. The paper emphasizes the need for policymakers analysing foreign policy in fragile nations to examine foreign policy鈥檚 role in domestic politics.
This paper is an output of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PEACEREP) programme.
Citation
Sarkar, A. Two-Level Game or the Primacy of Domestic Politics? Ethiopia鈥檚 Regional Foreign Policy after 2018 (Working Paper). PeaceRep: The Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform, University of Edinburgh, 2023