GEOPOLITICAL RIVALRIES IN THE HORN OF AFRICA AND THEIR IMPACT ON ETHIOPIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

The study's general objective is to examine the geopolitical rivalries of major powers and emerging regional powers in the Horn of Africa and their impact on Ethiopia's national security. It is well known that new political and security dynamism is emerging in the Horn of Africa every season. New events are emerging in the region due to the rapid political changes that are still taking place. This is the result of the geopolitical rivalries of major powers and emerging regional powers in the region to ensure their interest. Even though, studying the geopolitical rivalries in the Horn of Africa is very important to know their impact on Ethiopia's national security. It is known that; the geopolitical rivalries in the Horn of Africa are based on the interests of the countries. This also it has its own impact on Ethiopia's national security. Thus, the objective of this thesis was to analyze the geopolitical interests of major powers and to examine the influence of emerging regional powers in the Horn of Africa. The study also assesses how these interactions create security risks and opportunities for Ethiopia. The researcher used an exploratory research design and qualitative approach obtained from secondary sources such as books, documents, internet sources, journal articles, periodicals and newspaper stories were used to acquire the approach and data. The information gathered from secondary sources is therefore discussed analytically. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. The study's findings indicate that the HOA is experiencing new and tough geopolitical rivalry driven by geo-strategic, geo-economic, geo-security, vigilant containment, and resource competition. The geopolitical rivalry brings both risks and opportunities to Ethiopia. The rivalry posed a peace and security risk, exacerbating internal instability and adversarial powers may exploit the internal situation as an advantage to destabilize Ethiopia. If Ethiopia manages the regional dynamics properly, the rivalry has many opportunities such as economic, regional security stability. Recommendations for the betterment of the region and Ethiopia's national security are also clearly stated in the study. The paper stated that the issue is ongoing and needs further research and theoretical assessment. The country mentioned in this research, the ideas and things included in this study, directly or indirectly have a negative impact or an opportunity for Ethiopia's national security.