Ethiopian PM Abiy’s Red Sea Push Could Backfire

In confrontational language, Abiy all but threatened conflict should Ethiopia be denied what he called the country’s intrinsic right to waterway expansion. Abiy’s comments come at a time when Ethiopia is in a period of soul-searching, caught between the paths of democracy and authoritarianism. Africa’s Ties with the Major PowersAs a researcher in international relations and conflict resolution, I have watched as African countries have been courted by international powers, partly because of sea trade routes. Africa’s sea trade routes are of strategic and economic importance for major powers like China and the U.S. In addition, Abiy’s attempts to emulate global powers like China and Russia and impose its will through force carry their own risks.