Ethiopia's foreign policy during Emperor Haile Selassie l principles
Ethiopia's foreign policy during Emperor Haile Selassie was guided by several principles, including:
1. Sovereignty: Ethiopia maintained a firm commitment to its territorial integrity and independence, and opposed any attempts by foreign powers to interfere in its internal affairs.
2. African solidarity: Haile Selassie believed in the unity and cooperation of African nations and worked to establish the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. Ethiopia also played a key role in supporting anti-colonial struggles in Africa, particularly in neighboring countries such as Eritrea and Somalia.
3. Non-alignment: Ethiopia maintained a neutral stance in the Cold War, refusing to align itself with either the Western or Eastern blocs. It pursued diplomatic relations with both superpowers and other countries, seeking to balance competing interests and leverage its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East.
4. International law and diplomacy: Ethiopia upheld the principles of international law and diplomacy, seeking to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and multilateral negotiations. It also supported the United Nations and other international organizations in promoting global peace and security.
5. Religious and cultural identity: Haile Selassie saw Ethiopia as a symbol of African civilization and Christianity, and sought to promote its culture and values to the world. He also used his position as a prominent African leader to advocate for the rights of minorities and marginalized communities around the world.
Emperor Haile Selassie's foreign policy in Ethiopia can be characterized by several key principles:
1. Sovereignty and Independence: Emperor Haile Selassie placed great emphasis on maintaining Ethiopia's sovereignty and independence. He worked to preserve the country's territorial integrity and ensure that Ethiopia was not subject to external interference.
2. Pan-Africanism: Haile Selassie was a strong proponent of Pan-Africanism, which aimed to unite African nations and promote African solidarity. He actively advocated for African liberation movements and played a significant role in the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union).
3. Non-alignment: Ethiopia pursued a policy of non-alignment during Haile Selassie's rule, seeking to maintain neutrality in the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This allowed Ethiopia to benefit from aid and support from both sides without becoming deeply aligned with either camp.
4. African Unity and Regional Cooperation: Haile Selassie prioritized regional cooperation among African nations. He supported initiatives such as the Casablanca Group and the Monrovia Group, which aimed to foster unity and collaboration among African states.
5. Conflict Resolution: Emperor Haile Selassie actively sought to mediate and resolve conflicts in the region. Notably, he played a key role in resolving the Eritrean independence struggle, which led to the establishment of an autonomous Eritrean government within Ethiopia.
6. International Peacekeeping: Ethiopia under Haile Selassie contributed significantly to international peacekeeping efforts. Ethiopian troops were deployed to various conflict zones, including the Korean War and the Congo Crisis, in support of the United Nations' peacekeeping missions.
These principles guided Haile Selassie's foreign policy approach and shaped Ethiopia's diplomatic relations with other nations during his reign.