The foreign policy features of Emperor Menelik ll

Answer 1

As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs, but I can provide you with information on the foreign policy features of Emperor Menelik II:

Emperor Menelik II was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913. During his reign, he implemented various foreign policy strategies that helped him maintain Ethiopian independence.

Some of the foreign policy features of Emperor Menelik II include:

1. Negotiating treaties with European powers: Emperor Menelik II recognized the need to establish good relations with European powers to ensure Ethiopia's independence. He negotiated several treaties with European powers, including the Treaty of Wichale (1889) with Italy. This treaty preserved Ethiopian sovereignty by rejecting Italian claims to Ethiopian territory.

2. Pursuing a policy of neutrality: Emperor Menelik II pursued a policy of neutrality in his dealings with European powers. He avoided taking sides in conflicts between European powers and instead focused on preserving Ethiopia's independence.

3. Building a strong military: Emperor Menelik II recognized the importance of a strong military to protect Ethiopia from European colonialism. He modernized the Ethiopian army, introducing modern weapons and training techniques.

4. Fostering relations with neighboring states: Emperor Menelik II established diplomatic relations with neighboring states, including Sudan and Somalia. This allowed Ethiopia to maintain good relations with its neighbors and avoid conflicts.

5. Preserving Ethiopian culture and traditions: Emperor Menelik II was a strong advocate for preserving Ethiopian culture and traditions. He resisted European cultural influences and sought to maintain Ethiopia's independence by establishing strict cultural traditions.