HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University

Politics is governed by objective laws which have their roots
in human nature and human nature has not changed since
classical times, states advanced their national interest by
relying on power, Environment plays a vital role in shaping
interests that determine political Action (Morgenthu, 1948
cited in Burchil and Linklater, 1996:76).
International politics can be explained as different ways of international system among
sovereign states and it could be conflicting or cooperation. Conflict could be controlled in
order to realize cooperation. Within this international system, states strive to preserve their
primary interest: sovereignty of state and its territorial integrity. States will sacrifice
whatever they have to this end (Chandra, 1995:5; Holsti, 1987:124). Conflict between states
is inevitable in an international system without global authority which can enforce
international obligations. Unlike domestic politics there is no compulsory jurisdiction in
international politics. Besides, there is unbridgeable gap between states in realizing their
national interest (Burchill and Linklater, 1996:72).
Following the end of Cold -War politics, the geo-political significance of the Horn of Africa
region declined. The super powers of that time, USSR and the US, withdrew their support
from their allies Ethiopia and Somalia, respectively. This situation attracted the attention of
regional powers namely Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran. The coming of these predominantly
Muslim states in the region has threatened the security of Ethiopia and Kenya. Ethiopia has a
sizable Muslim population and historical clash, with Arab states because of their stereotype
naming Ethiopia as “An Island of Christianity”. The Kenyan Muslims, small in size, do not
guarantee Kenya from risk of repeated terrorist attack (Alxander, 2003: 630). The study
believes that some element of Ethio- Kenyan relations could be taken as the attribute of
realism. The emphasis of realism is that states are trapped with conflicting interest this is
seen in some of Ethiopia and Kenya relations. The strategy of Emperor Haile sellassie was
providing appreciable amount of military aid for African nationalist fighters without
affecting its relations with the colonial power in that country. For example, Ethiopian
government was supporting the Mau Mau movement in Kenya while having good relations
with Britain, the colonial power in Kenya. The closure of the Kenyan border against Somali
refugees in 2006 Ethiopian intervention in Somalia challenged the interests of the Kenyan
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