Ethiopia's foreign policy during Emperor Haile Selassie l challenges

Answer 1

During Emperor Haile Selassie's rule, Ethiopia faced several challenges in its foreign policy. Some of the major challenges were:

1. Italian aggression: Ethiopia had a long-standing rivalry with Italy, which culminated in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1935-36. Ethiopia was invaded and occupied by Italian forces, which forced Emperor Haile Selassie to flee the country. The war ended with Ethiopia's liberation and the restoration of the Emperor, but it damaged Ethiopia's international standing and weakened its military and economic power.

2. Border disputes: Ethiopia had border disputes with its neighboring countries, particularly with Sudan and Somalia. These disputes often led to border clashes and strained relations with these countries. The disputes were eventually settled through negotiations and agreements, but they remained a source of tension for many years.

3. Cold War politics: Ethiopia became a battleground for Cold War politics, with the Soviet Union and the United States competing for influence in the region. Emperor Haile Selassie tried to maintain a neutral stance and balance between the two superpowers, but he was often forced to take sides and make alliances with one or the other.

4. Pan-Africanism: Emperor Haile Selassie was a strong advocate of Pan-Africanism and promoted closer ties and cooperation among African countries. However, his efforts were often undermined by regional conflicts and rivalries, such as the Congo crisis and the Nigerian Civil War.

5. Economic development: Ethiopia faced significant challenges in its economic development, which hindered its ability to pursue an active foreign policy. The country was largely agrarian, with a weak industrial base and limited infrastructure. It relied heavily on foreign aid and loans to finance its development programs, which often came with strings attached and limited its policy options.