HENOK MERHATSIDK 1.pdf - Addis Ababa University

of the other.” This means that, one state can not go against the interest of another unless the
other allows the negative consequences. In such case, the leader of the two states will strive
to win from the situation by what ever means which is less costly and better (Deutsch,
1978:165). Another author Kopstein and Lichbach believes that the world is partitioned in
different states and these states are often in tension with one another. States are sovereign,
they posses strong defense institution to safe- guard their external securities; they exchange
ambassadors with other states and belong to the “global club of states”, the UN. His
explanation is important in understanding the unavoidable relations between states in their
day- to- day activity. Kopstein and Lichbach perceived the current world situation as follows:
.
Inequality and poverty, the gap between North and South, is a global
problem. Disease and epidemics are global problems. Bubonic plague,
influenza, and smallpox were problems of human kind and AIDS is now
every one’s problem environmental problems are also now global. We are
part of a single ecosystem, and, hence, environmental degradation global
warming, energy conservation, and water pollution are global problems.
In sum, it is not possible for a country to isolate itself from global
economic trends, cycles, and shocks (Kopstein and Lichbach 2005: 18).
States have certain interactions namely; diplomacy, war, trade relations, alliances, cultural
exchange, and participation in international organizations and in those cross-cutting issue
areas. Politicians of one state can behave in a cooperative or conflictual manner, extending
either friendly or hostile behavior toward the other nation (Goldstein, 1992:5).
In the same vein Ethiopia and Kenya established interstate relations immediately after Kenya
got its independence in 1963. These relations have gone through different regimes, ideologies
and political atmosphere. Ethiopia is non- colonized state in Africa while Kenya was ruled by
British colonial administration. During that time, Ethiopia had diplomatic relations with the
British government and there was an attempt to demarcate Ethio-Kenyan boundary.
Additionally, Ethiopia established consular office in Nairobi and she used to support the Mau
Mau movement (Belete, 2005).
After Kenya got independence Jomo Kenyatta became the first president of Kenya. Kenyatta
had close relationship with Ethiopian Emperor Haile Sellassie. This friendship translated to
peaceful relations between the two states. Ethiopia is the first country to open its embassy in
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