Grade 11 Area Study - Ethiopia

Grade 11 Area Study - Ethiopia

• Unit One: State Actors in the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia
  • Unit Objectives: Students will be able to:
    • Explain the status of the Ethiopian military.
    • Discuss the geography and natural resources of Ethiopia.
    • Explain the population and key demographic features of Ethiopia.
    • Examine economic development, industrial, and technology.

Introduction

• Factors that determine developments and conditions shaping the fate of a region include:
  • The place of the environment
  • Natural resources
  • Actors

Understanding the Concepts of Actors

• At the international system, many players are engaged in international politics.
• Actors are entities participating in or promoting international relations.
• Two main actors in international politics:
  • State actors
  • Non-state actors

State Actors

• States are connected to international politics.
• A person acts/represents on behalf of the government, e.g., foreign policy decisions made by the government.
• Government organizations can be state actors.
• Two types of state actors based on geographical scope:
  • Local actors (within states)
  • External actors (foreign powerful states)

Non-State Actors

• These exert significant influence over international events but lack formal government support.
• They include communities, civil societies, and international organizations.
• Two main types based on geographical extent:
  • Transnational non-state actors (e.g. multinational corporations, NGOs, IGOs)
  • Sub-state non-state actors
• Two types based on behavior:
  • Violent non-state actors (e.g., UN, regional organizations, media organizations)
  • Non-violent non-state actors (e.g., rebel groups, militias, warlords, criminal networks)

Formation of States in Africa

• Result of local and international developments (colonialism).
• National boundaries may be a result of colonialism if power structures have local origins.
• The Horn of Africa has been a theatre of competition among external powers.
• It's strategically important with external involvement.

Features of Actors

• Have overall capacity to decide on purposes and interests.
• Have the capability to mobilize necessary resources.
• Have enough influence over state-to-state relations and non-state actors.

The Difference Between State & Non-State Actors

• State actors are the ruling governments of a state.
• Non-state actors are influential organizations or individuals that can influence state actors but are not allied to a state.

The Relationship b/n State & Non-state Actors

• Both interact in the international arena.
• International Relations (IR) studies their interactions and consequences.

National Power

• The sum of all resources available to a nation to pursue national objectives.
• A combination of political, economic, social, and other powers.

Importance of National Power

• An important part of the state system.
• Necessary for economic life (e.g., used to dominate countries).
• An instrument for implementing internal and external policies.
• Essentially the struggle for power.

Types of National Power

• Domestic power: Powers within the state
• International power: Power used to influence other countries

Elements of National Power

• Military
• Geography
• Natural resources
• Population
• Economic development
• Technology
• Political structure
• Leadership
• Ideological elements
• Diplomacy
• National character
• National morale

The Place of Ethiopian state in the region

• Ethiopia is the strongest state in the region.
• Central participant in major development (e.g., IGAD, EAC).
• Shares boundaries with all states.
• Speaks similar languages; belongs to the same nation/ethnicity; has common religion.
• Shares social and cultural values across international boundaries; has economic linkages.
• Major development in Ethiopia affects neighboring countries.
• Ethiopia is the most influential state in the Horn of Africa.

The Strength of the Ethiopian Military

• Known for its strong army; the oldest institutions in almost all societies.
• Ethiopian societies have organized strong armies throughout history (e.g., the Gada system).
• Origins and military traditions since Aksumite times.
• Interrupted by the Fascist Italian invasion.
• Started organizing in the 1910s and 1930s with western help (e.g., the Mehal sefari regiment to Imperial Bodyguard in 1917).
• First military training school established in 1935 (Holeta).
• Huge after the Somali-Ethiopian War (1977-1978).
• Fluctuated from time to time.
• Events (e.g. Egyptian forces at Gundet & Gur'a, Italian forces at Adwa, Patriotic resistance, Ethio-Somalia wars, Ethio-Eritrean wars) proved Ethiopian military strength.
• Logistically, Ethiopia has become more self-reliant since 1986.
• Participates in UN peacekeeping operations since the 1950s (e.g., Korean War, Congo, Rwanda (UNAMIR), Burundi, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, & Mali).
• Has three branches (ground force, air force, navy with base in Djibouti and hq in Bahir Dar)

Classwork Questions (Page 25)

• Core reputation of a defensive army?
• First modernization process of ENDF and major events?
• Separate branches of ENDF?
• Subsequent ENDF victories?
• Definition of actors in international system?
• Indicators of national power for assessing the role and influence of states?

Geography, Natural Resources, & Population as Sources of National Power

• Geography:

  • Major source of national strength (territorial size).
  • Large size accommodates large population and offers better natural resources and raw materials.
  • Large size helps defend the country and establish vital centers.
  • However, large size can be a hindrance to development. -- Geopolitically, its location determines its strategic importance. -- Colonialism created boundaries which frequently are sources of conflict weakening national power. - Natural boundaries are helpful to national power & the artificial boundaries are sources of weakens and conflict.

• Natural Resources:

  • Diverse and impenetrable terrain.
  • Natural boundaries offer strategic advantages.
  • Moderate temperature zone is a resource of national power.
  • Climate change is a concern.
  • Positive role to the emergence of relatively powerful political centers in different parts of Ethiopia.

• Population:

  • One of the most powerful states in the continent.
  • Huge population supports economic and military capacities.
  • Quality of population (disciplines, hard work, health, education, and skill) is crucial for national power.

Economic Development, Industrial & Technology Capacity

• Poverty limits power due to poor performance in international relations.
• Sustainable economic growth depends on effective planning and organization.
• Modernization of Ethiopia's economy since the 20th century made it dependent on Western and Eastern powers.
• Economic instruments of foreign policy are utilized to secure desired goals.

Government Organizations, Leadership, and Diplomacy

• Diverse social organizations contributed to the development of a centralized government since the middle of the 19th century.
• Resilient government organization, leadership, and diplomacy led to Ethiopia's independence.
• Well organized, efficient, and effective coordination of human effort & mobilization of material resources saved Ethiopia from colonial rule and made Ethiopia a symbol of defiance.
• The establishment of the African Union (AU), UNECA in Addis Ababa shows Ethiopian strength and success in IR.

National Character, Moral, and Ideology

• Known for vigor and persistence during hard times.
• High adaptability in various conditions.
• National moral is a source of attitude and social ability towards national needs.
• High quality leadership, support, and loyalty are a result of national moral, which is another source of national power.
• Non-inclusiveness and ideological differences among peoples have historically been a major source of political weakness.

Additional Classwork (Page 37)

• Major sources of Ethiopian national strength (beyond population size)?
• What qualities of Ethiopians emanate from their national moral?
• Contribution of early social structure to Ethiopia?

Review Questions (Page 38)

• Definition and types of actors in the world political system?
• Features of actors?
• Definition of national power?
• Significance of national power?
• Ten elements of national power?
• Types of national power?

This quiz covers the key concepts related to Ethiopia's role as a state actor in the Horn of Africa. Students will explore the military status, geography, population demographics, and economic development of Ethiopia. Get ready to deepen your understanding of the region's intricate dynamics and influences.