1 Patterns of external involvement in the modern political history of the Horn of Africa states
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Robert Mason
Abstract
This chapter traces patterns of external involvement in the security affairs of the Horn of Africa states and the effect this has had – and continues to have – on the economic, political, and security dynamics of the region. By analysing external involvement in the region we provide the context necessary to judge whether the actions of various Arab Gulf states are enhancing or detracting from those of other powers operating in the Horn, such as the United States, Russia, Turkey, China, Israel, and Egypt. This allows us to better assess the extent to which the Arab Gulf states’ involvement – which has become heightened in recent years – displays similar characteristics to the past actions of other actors. We demonstrate that in current discussions about increased external security involvement in the Horn – by the Arab Gulf states or other players – little attention has been given to the agendas, interests and motives of Horn states and their governments that make up the region. We argue that Horn of Africa states have shown adeptness in currying the attention of external states for the purpose of furthering their own regional interests.
Abstract
This chapter traces patterns of external involvement in the security affairs of the Horn of Africa states and the effect this has had – and continues to have – on the economic, political, and security dynamics of the region. By analysing external involvement in the region we provide the context necessary to judge whether the actions of various Arab Gulf states are enhancing or detracting from those of other powers operating in the Horn, such as the United States, Russia, Turkey, China, Israel, and Egypt. This allows us to better assess the extent to which the Arab Gulf states’ involvement – which has become heightened in recent years – displays similar characteristics to the past actions of other actors. We demonstrate that in current discussions about increased external security involvement in the Horn – by the Arab Gulf states or other players – little attention has been given to the agendas, interests and motives of Horn states and their governments that make up the region. We argue that Horn of Africa states have shown adeptness in currying the attention of external states for the purpose of furthering their own regional interests.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Illustrations vii
- Contributors viii
- Acknowledgements x
- Introduction 1
-
Part I: The view from the Gulf
- 1 Patterns of external involvement in the modern political history of the Horn of Africa states 15
- 2 Pushing the envelope of national security and state influence at the margins 36
- 3 Iran’s foreign policy and developmental activities in Africa 68
- 4 Extended states 99
- 5 The Turkey–Qatar alliance 127
- 6 Interregional embedded security model 151
- 7 Strategic geography in jeopardy 171
- 8 Kuwait’s foreign relations with East Africa 199
- 9 Djibouti - Bridging the Gulf of Aden? 229
- 10 Engaging foreign powers for regime survival 249
- 11 Sudan’s foreign policy predicament in the context of the GCC diplomatic rift 272
- Conclusion 295
- Index 303
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- Illustrations vii
- Contributors viii
- Acknowledgements x
- Introduction 1
-
Part I: The view from the Gulf
- 1 Patterns of external involvement in the modern political history of the Horn of Africa states 15
- 2 Pushing the envelope of national security and state influence at the margins 36
- 3 Iran’s foreign policy and developmental activities in Africa 68
- 4 Extended states 99
- 5 The Turkey–Qatar alliance 127
- 6 Interregional embedded security model 151
- 7 Strategic geography in jeopardy 171
- 8 Kuwait’s foreign relations with East Africa 199
- 9 Djibouti - Bridging the Gulf of Aden? 229
- 10 Engaging foreign powers for regime survival 249
- 11 Sudan’s foreign policy predicament in the context of the GCC diplomatic rift 272
- Conclusion 295
- Index 303
