Geopolitical Dynamics and Constraints to Political Transition in Ethiopia

• In Event: Issues of Democracy in Africa

Abstract

Domestic socioeconomic and political dynamics are not immune from external influences. Events are increasingly interlinked and various inter-related processes shape internal dynamics of countries and the outcomes of their external relations. However, the various ways in which the activities of actors from beyond a country or region affects the political, economic and social life of the population are continuing to be taken for granted. This paper examines the geopolitical dynamics in relation to the role of extra-regional involvement in the Horn of Africa focusing on constraints to reform initiatives since 2018 dramatic political events as the main point of reference. Geopolitics based on the concept of relationality is used as a framework of analysis in this chapter. The analysis suggests the importance of new perspectives in exploring the geopolitical dynamics beyond the usual forms of ‘entanglements’ of internal and external dynamics influencing, enabling or constraining outcomes of local, national and regional political and socioeconomic dynamics in the Horn of Africa region.

Author

• Solomon M Gofie, Addis Ababa University