HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University

Another important term for discussions of co-operation between states is reciprocity, which
is a principle that shows co-operation between and among nations in the absence of central
authority. For Goldstein (2001:112-114), “reciprocity is a response in kind to the others
actions. A strategy of reciprocity uses positive forms of leverage as promises of rewards (if
the actor does what one wants)”; simultaneously it uses negative forms of leverage as threats
of punishment (if the actor does not refrain from doing what one does not want).
The present Ethiopia’s government foreign policy emphasized on good relations with
neighboring countries. Conversely, it has helped SPLM /A following the implications of the
Sudan government in assisting extremist religious groups against the Ethiopian government
in the 1990s. The position of the Ethiopian government on the Somali factions that have
shown anti-Ethiopian tendencies also reciprocated by helping another group that is not
inimical to Ethiopia. This policy shows the concept of reciprocity is important when we
discuss Ethiopia’s relations with neighboring countries (Moi, 2002).
The relationships between Ethiopia and Kenya, and the protection of their security have been
taking place on the basis of the prevailing domestic, regional and international balance of
power system. As their security concerns have different causes and effects, the remedies are
also different. Therefore, no single theory can be applied for the security concerns of the
countries under study. Nonetheless, the research tries to show some of the theories that are
most relevant in studying the security concerns of the two countries.
2.2 Conceptual Framework
2.2.1. Inter- State Relations
Independent states interact with each other in search of certain advantages. In the words of
Chandra (1979:5), “three important things relevant to international politics are national
interest, conflict and power.” For him, national interest is the objective, conflict is the
condition and power is the means. Deutsch also pointed out the inter-dependences of any two
states what so ever quarrel they are facing, the cooperation of another is needed in one form
or another. He further went on his argument that “the government of neither state can get
every thing it wants without some cooperation whether voluntary or involuntary on the part
12