Addis Ababa University

School of UnderGraduate Studies

Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City
development (EiABC).
Construction technology and management department

Course Title: Global Affairs

Individual assignment on:

The international relations, foreign policy, national interests, political
economic models with successes and challenges, participation in regional and
global institutions, impacts and advantages of globalization, and role in
contemporary global issues of Iran.

Name: ID No:

Samrawit Aysheshim………………………UGR/3890/12

Instructor: -Mr. kefala Beyazen.

Date of submission: May 30,

2024
IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

Table of Contents
What is International Relation?.......................................................................................................2
1. International relation of Ethiopia during The Derg regime (1974- 1991)................................2
1.1. Challenges to the regime...................................................................................................3
1.2. Alignment of derg with Soviet Union...............................................................................3
2. Objectives of Ethiopian Foreign policy during the Dergue Regime (1974 to 1991)...............4
3. Behaviors of Ethiopian Foreign policy during the Dergue Regime (1974 to 1991)................6
4. Dimensions of Ethiopian Foreign policy during the Dergue Regime (1974 to 1991).............8
References........................................................................................................................................9

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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

What is International Relation?

International relation is the study of the interaction of nation-states and non-governmental

organizations in fields such as politics, economics, and security. Professionals work in academia,
government, and non-profits to understand and develop cooperative exchanges between nations
that benefit commerce, security, quality of life, and the environment. (Science., 2022-04-05.)

Today, international relations used to describe a range of interactions between people, groups,
firms, associations, parties, nations or states. These interactions usually take place between
entities that exist in different parts of the world – in different territories, nations or states. To the
layperson interactions such as going on holiday abroad, sending international mail, or buying or
selling goods abroad may seem personal and private, and of no particular international concern.
(moshe, 2019)

1. International relation of Ethiopia during The Derg regime (1974- 1991)

The Derg, also known as the Provisional Military Administration Council (PMAC), was
volitionary military regime that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987. Initially, the Derg’s
motivations were anti-imperialist, but they later shifted to staunch Marxism-Leninism under the
leadership of Haile Mariam Mengistu. Facing internal insurgencies in Eritrea, Tigray, and the
Ogaden, as well as socioeconomic and agricultural crises, the Derg sought international
alignment with the Soviet Union support to consolidate its power and implement socialist
transformation.

The Derg borrowed its ideology from competing Marxist parties, all of which arose from the
student movement. One of them, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), believed in
civilian rule that it undertook urban guerrilla war against the military rulers, and anarchy ensued
in the following years.

In February 1977 Mengistu (now a lieutenant colonel) survived a battle between his supporters
and those of rivals on the PMAC. Andom and several other members were killed, and Mengistu
seized complete power as chairman and head of state. A series of EPRP attacks against Derg
members and their supporters, known as the White Terror, was countered by Mengistu’s Red
Terror, a bloody campaign that crushed armed opponents among the EPRP and other groups, as
well as members of the civilian populace. As a result of the campaign, which continued into
1978, thousands of Ethiopia’s best-educated and idealistic young people were killed or exiled; in
all, as many as 100,000 people were killed, and thousands more were tortured or imprisoned.

Meanwhile, in May and June 1977, Somalia’s army advanced into the Ogaden. The U.S.S.R.
labeled Somalia the aggressor and diverted arms shipments to Ethiopia, where Soviet and allied
troops trained and armed a People’s Militia, provided fighting men, and reequipped the army.
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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

Unable to entice the United States into resupplying its troops and faced with renewed Ethiopian
military vigor, Somalia withdrew in early 1978. Mengistu quickly shifted troops to Eritrea,
where by year’s end the Eritrean nationalists had been pushed back into mountainous terrain
around nafka (Harold G Marcus).

1.1. Challenges to the regime

By 1985–86 the government was embattled throughout most of Eritrea and Tigray, but Mengistu
simply stepped-up recruitment and asked the U.S.S.R. for more arms. In December 1987 the
Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) broke through the Ethiopian lines before Nakʾfa and
waged increasingly successful war with weapons captured from demoralized government troops.
In early 1988 the EPLF began to coordinate its attacks with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front
(TPLF), which had long been fighting for the autonomy of Tigray and for the reconstitution of
Ethiopia on the basis of ethnically autonomous regions. The Soviets refused to ship more arms,
and in February 1989 a series of defeats and a worsening lack of weaponry forced the
government to evacuate Tigray. The TPLF then organized the largely Amhara Ethiopian
People’s Democratic Movement. Together, these two groups formed the Ethiopian People’s
Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), and their forces easily advanced into Gonder and
Welo provinces. The following year the EPLF occupied Massawa; this broke the Ethiopian
stranglehold on supplies entering the country and demonstrated that the government no longer
ruled in Tigray and Eritrea. Shortly thereafter, when the TPLF cut the Addis Ababa–Gonder road
and put Gojam at risk, Mengistu announced the end of many of the regime’s most unpopular
socialist measures.

The peasants immediately abandoned their new villages for their old homesteads, dismantled
cooperatives, and redistributed land and capital goods. They ejected or ignored party and
government functionaries, in several cases killing recalcitrant administrators. The regime was
thus weakened in the countryside—not least in southern Ethiopia, where the long-dormant
Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) became active. By May 1991, with EPRDF forces controlling
Tigray, Welo, Gonder, Gojam, and about half of Shewa, it was obvious that the army did not
have sufficient morale, manpower, weapons, munitions, and leadership to stop the rebels’
advance on Addis Ababa. Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe, and on May 28 the EPRDF took power
(Harold G Marcus).

1.2. Alignment of derg with Soviet Union

Soviet support played a crucial role during this period. Here are the dimensions The Derg, also
known as the Provisional Military Administration Council (PMAC), was the revolutionary
military regime that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987. Initially, the Derg’s motivations were
anti-imperialist, but they later shifted to staunch Marxism-Leninism under the leadership of
Haile Mariam Mengistu. Facing internal insurgencies in Eritrea, Tigray, and the Ogaden, as well

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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

as socioeconomic and agricultural crises, the Derg sought international support to consolidate its
power and implement socialist transformation. (Kingston-Cox, 2022)

The Mengistu regime was in desperate trouble, internal and external enemies took action to
hasten its demise. Most important, civilian opposition groups began to wage urban guerrilla
campaigns to demoralize and discredit the Derg, and Somalia committed regular troops to assist
ethnic Somali living in Ethiopia's Ogaden region in their efforts to separate from Ethiopia.
Simultaneously, the Somali government expressed concern over the growing Soviet and Cuban
presence in Ethiopia. Until then, Somalia had been an ally of the Soviet Union. After the Somali
National Army (SNA) invaded the Ogaden region in July 1977, the Soviet Union withdrew its
1,000 advisers from Somalia. (Kingston-Cox, 2022)

In November Somalia announced that it had abrogated the 1974 Treaty of Friendship and
Cooperation with the Soviet Union and that it had suspended diplomatic relations with Cuba. At
that point, the Soviet Union adopted Ethiopia as its main ally in the Horn of Africa. In late
November, it launched a massive airlift and sealift of arms and other military equipment to
Ethiopia. Over the next several months, about 17,000 Cuban and 1,000 Soviet military personnel
arrived in the country and were deployed to the Ogaden front. This aid turned the tide in favor of
Ethiopia by early 1978. (Kingston-Cox, 2022)

2. Objectives of Ethiopian Foreign policy during the Dergue Regime (1974

to 1991)

During the period of 1974-1991, Ethiopia experienced profound political transformations,

notably marked by the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 and the subsequent rise of
the Marxist-Leninist Derg regime, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam. These changes significantly
influenced Ethiopia's foreign policy objectives, which were shaped by a combination of
ideological considerations, regional dynamics, and geopolitical interests.

Ethiopia's primary objectives of the foreign policy during this era were survival of the regime
and maintaining the territorial integrity of the country. Apart from these, restructuring the society
along socialist and the pursuit of non-alignment and independence from external influences. The
major strategy to achieve the stated objectives heavily focused on building the military capability
of the country. And force had been employed as the best strategy to silence dissent at home and
deter the perceived external enemies of the country.

Survival of the regime and maintaining territorial integrity can be seen as short-term objectives,
as they focus on immediate concerns and stability of the government. Restructuring society along
socialist lines can be considered a middle-term objective, as it involves significant changes to the
social and economic structure of the country that may take time to implement. Pursuing non-
alignment and independence from external influences can be seen as a long-term objective, as it
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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

involves establishing a foreign policy stance that may require ongoing efforts and adjustments
over time.

Since socialism was the guiding philosophy of the country, friendship and alliance with socialist
countries of the world was considered as a viable strategy for realizing socialism at home and
perhaps in the world. However, since the regime did not have the necessary economic and
military capabilities to achieve its objectives, the country was very much dependent on economic
and military aid on the others. In this regard, the country was heavily dependent on military aid
on the Soviet Union which prevented it from securing any kind of military and technical
assistance from the US and other European countries. The regime was condemned by the west
for its human rights record, especially its treatment of former government officials. This resulted
in declining Ethio-US relations marking its lowest point with the closure of the US military base
and operation of military assistance within 72 hours (Keller). Following such problems, internal
and external enemies began to take action to hasten the demise of the regime.

Internally Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) launched military attack on the Ethiopian Army.
Many external actors were involved in sponsoring the rebel group, including; Saudi Arabia,
Egypt, Sudan, Somalia and later USA itself. Moreover, Somalia ‘s invasion of the Ethiopian
region of Ogaden was one of the serious external challenges of the Ethiopian Government at the
time. The government did not have enough capacity to calm the Eritrean Rebels and the Somali
irredentist invasion. However, the regime managed to reverse the Somali aggression with the
help of the new powerful patron, USSR. The involvement of USSR in the region only heightened
the superpower rivalry between the USA and USSR during the cold war era (Schwab).

The corner stone of Ethiopia ‘s foreign policy at the time was maintaining continuing friendship
with the Soviet Union and other socialist countries. The Soviet Union and its allies were thus
able to exert immense influence in both domestic and foreign affairs of Ethiopia. Experts from
the German Democratic Republic assisted the military regime in its struggle against domestic
guerilla movements and external opponents, and in training cadres for the completely
reorganized security services, later consolidated in to a full-fledged ministry with the biggest
budget in the country. The Dergue had sent hundreds of Ethiopians for training to the Soviet
Union, Eastern Europe and Cuba while employing many of their administrators and technicians.

Apart from socialism, Ethiopia ‘s strategic locations and other questions, such as; Eritrea,
Somalia, and the issue of the Nile, had also shaped the foreign policy orientation and behavior of
military government. It should be noted that U.S.S.R was used to be a friend of Somalia, yet all
of a sudden, it made a swift change of policy when it came to Ethiopian side; while the U.S.A
piped in to Somalia. That was a time of cold war whereby the two super powers, U.S.S.R and
U.S.A were pitting each other to have a sphere of influence in the region.

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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

Ethiopia shares the Nile and its longest border with Sudan, yet the relation between the two had
been strained for decades. Sudan was one of the host countries for Ethiopian opposition forces.
With regard to Africa ‘s broader issues of decolonization and anti-Apartheid struggle, Ethiopia
played significant role. The regime had extended its military and technical support to Freedom
fighters in Angola and Rhodesia. The regime had also showed its solidarity to Palestine ‘s cause
by condemning Israel and sought political allegiance with the Arab world, however the negative
perception that most Arab countries have towards Ethiopia remained unchanged. Finally, the
regime collapsed following the end of cold war unable to survive in the absence of military aid
from the socialist blocs, USSR, Cuba.

In general, the adoption of socialism and its subsequent impact on the foreign policy of the
country could be considered as a departure from its predecessors; however, the policy objective
of the country remained unchanged. The country ‘s policy towards its neighbors, the region, and
the Arab world remained unchanged.

Another Ethiopia's foreign policy objectives during this era was the pursuit of non-alignment and
independence from external influences. The Derg regime aimed to assert Ethiopia's sovereignty
and autonomy amidst the backdrop of Cold War rivalries. Thus, Ethiopia pursued a policy of
non-alignment, avoiding alignment with either the Western bloc led by the United States or the
Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union. This stance was evident in Ethiopia's diplomatic
engagements, as it maintained relations with countries from both blocs while striving to
safeguard its independence. Ethiopia sought to position itself as a leader in the Horn of Africa
region and advocate for pan-African solidarity. The Derg regime portrayed itself as a champion
of African liberation movements, actively supporting such movements in neighboring countries
like Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. This support was driven by Ethiopia's desire to maintain
regional stability and counter perceived threats to its security.

3. Behaviors of Ethiopian Foreign policy during the Dergue Regime (1974

to 1991)

The military regime that took control of state power in 1974 adopted a foreign policy largely
oriented to socialist ideology. And force had been employed as the best strategy to silence
dissent at home and deter the perceived external enemies of the country. Since socialism was the
guiding philosophy of the country, friendship and alliance with socialist countries of the world
was considered as a viable strategy for realizing socialism at home and perhaps in the world.

This period was marked by internal conflict, human rights abuses, and a shift in Ethiopia's
foreign policy priorities (Tareke, 2009). "Revolution at the Crossroads: The Derg Regime in
Ethiopia" by (Tareke, 2009) examines the political history of Ethiopia during the Derg regime.
Gebru Tareke, a prominent Ethiopian historian, provides a comprehensive analysis of the rise of
the Derg, its policies, and its impact on Ethiopian society and politics. And also delves into the
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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

internal dynamics of the Derg regime, including its Marxist-Leninist ideology, its authoritarian
rule, and its role in shaping Ethiopia's foreign policy during the period from 1974 to 1991.
Tareke explores the contradictions and challenges faced by the Derg as it attempted to implement
socialist policies while grappling with internal dissent, regional conflicts, and economic crises.

During the reign of Mengistu Hailemariam most of the problems were not internalized rather he
was focused on the strengthening of military capability against the external threats of Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian foreign policy during the Derg era (r.1974–1991) was hostile to neighboring states
of Ethiopia. Thus, Ethiopia was in serious contradiction with neighboring countries. Especially,
the Somali Irredentism and the declaration made by former Sudanese President Jaffar Nimeiri
(r.1971–1985) to institute an Islamic state in Sudan with Sharia law, the proliferation of local
liberation movements, and war with Eritrean Liberation movements for over thirty years was a
total mismatch with the government’s commitment to proletarian internationalism (Meles, 2012)

Generally, the key behaviors of Ethiopia's foreign policy during the Dergue Regime included: -

1. Alignment with the Soviet Bloc: - During the Dergue regime in Ethiopia (1974-1991), the
country's foreign policy behavior was characterized by its alignment with the Eastern Bloc and
socialist states, particularly the Soviet Union. The Dergu regime, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam,
pursued a Marxist-Leninist ideology that influenced its foreign policy decisions and international
relations (Clapham C. , 1984). This alignment influenced Ethiopia's foreign policy decisions,
including its support for revolutionary movements in neighboring countries like Somalia and
Eritrea.

2. Regional Conflicts: - Ethiopia was involved in several regional conflicts during this period,
including the Ogaden War with Somalia and the Eritrean War of Independence. These conflicts
had significant implications for Ethiopia's foreign policy and its relations with neighboring
countries and international actors.

The Derg regime's support for liberation movements in neighboring countries, such as the
Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF),
further shaped its foreign policy behavior. Ethiopia's involvement in conflicts with Somalia and
Eritrea during this period also had significant implications for its foreign relations and regional
dynamics (Young, 2006).

3. Human Rights Abuses: - The Derg regime's human rights record, including widespread
political repression and violence, drew international condemnation and affected Ethiopia's
standing in the international community. This led to tensions with Western countries and human
rights organizations.

4. Economic Challenges: - Ethiopia faced economic challenges during this period, including
droughts, famines, and economic stagnation. These challenges influenced Ethiopia's foreign
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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

policy priorities, as the country sought economic assistance and support from international
partners.

During the Derg regime in Ethiopia (1974-1991), the country faced significant economic
challenges that influenced its foreign policy behavior. The socialist policies implemented by the
Derg regime, such as nationalization of industries and collectivization of agriculture, led to
economic instability, shortages, and a decline in living standards for the population (Clapham
C. , 1988). The economic difficulties experienced during this period impacted Ethiopia's foreign
policy decisions and relationships with other countries (Markakis, 1974).

4. Dimensions of Ethiopian Foreign policy during the Dergue Regime

(1974 to 1991)

During the Dergue Regime, the country's foreign policy had gone to significant changes in terms
of alignment, scope, and modes of operation. The Dergue Regime, under the leadership of
Mengistu Haile Mariam, pursued a foreign policy that was primarily aligned with socialist and
communist countries. This alignment was a reflection of the regime's internal ideology, which
aimed to establish a Marxist-Leninist state in Ethiopia. As a result, the country formed close ties
with the Soviet Union, Cuba, North Korea and other socialist states, while distancing itself from
Western powers. The scope of Ethiopian foreign policy during the Dergue regime was primarily
focused on strengthening its position as a socialist state and promoting its revolutionary ideology
within Africa. It focused on regional influence and support for liberation movements across
Africa. The regime sought to assert its leadership role in the Horn of Africa region and supported
liberation movements in countries such as Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan. This expansionist
approach aimed to consolidate regional power and advance the regime's revolutionary agenda.
Modes of operation in Ethiopian foreign policy during this period included active participation in
multilateral institutions, international organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement, as well
as diplomatic efforts to garner support for its internal policies on the global stage. The regime
used its position in these forums to advocate for anti-imperialist and revolutionary principles,
presenting itself as a vanguard of socialist ideology in Africa.

Ethiopian foreign policy during the Dergue Regime reflected the regime's ideological orientation,
regional ambitions, and efforts to gain international recognition and support for its domestic
agenda. During this time, Ethiopia's foreign policy also faced challenges and criticism from the
international community, particularly due to its support for armed liberation movements and its
alignment with the Eastern Bloc. The regime's confrontational approach to neighboring countries
and its involvement in conflicts further strained its diplomatic relations and contributed to
regional instability. The government's human rights record and internal repression drew
condemnation from human rights organizations and Western governments.

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IRs, FP objectives, FP behavior and FP dimension of Ethiopia during Derg regime (1974- 1991)

Despite these challenges, the Dergue Regime remained steadfast in its pursuit of its foreign
policy objectives, often at the expense of domestic development and stability. The prioritization
of revolutionary ideology and the heavy-handed approach to governance eventually led to
internal dissent and contributed to the regime's downfall in 1991.

References

Clapham, C. ( 1984). In The Cambridge History of Africa "Haile Selassie's Government and Its
Successors, 1941–1991, vol. 8, edited by Michael Crowder, 331-362. Cambridge
University Press.

Clapham, C. (1988). "Transformation and Continuity in Revolutionary Ethiopia." . Cambridge

University Press.

Harold G Marcus. (n.d.). Socialist Ethiopia (1974–91).

Kingston-Cox, W. (2022). How important was Soviet support for Ethiopia's Derg regime?

Markakis, J. ( 1974). "Ethiopia: Anatomy of a Traditional Polity.". Oxford: Clarendon Press,.

Meles, P. (2012). "Government’s commitment to proletarian internationalism".

Science., D. o. (2022-04-05.). international relation.

Tareke, G. (2009). "Revolution at the Crossroads: The Derg Regime in Ethiopia".

Tareke., G. (1991). "The Ethiopian transformation from an Aristocratic to Totalitarian

Autocracy".

Young, J. (2006). "Peasant Revolution in Ethiopia: The Tigray People's Liberation Front, 1975-
1991." . Cambridge University Press,.

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