The changing power dynamics in the HoA between the US and China : the cases of Djibouti and Ethiopia
Start Date
13-4-2023 2:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2023 3:30 PM
Description
This paper will try to look at the changing power dynamics in the Horn of Africa between the US and China. The paper uses the case study of Djibouti and Ethiopia to analysis how there is an on-going alteration in the distribution of power between the US and China which is having an implication on the overall power dynamics in the region. Although the US still holds a power advantage vis-à-vis China in the HoA region the recent rise of China is challenging this discourse. With the launch of the BRI in 2013 China has slowly become the largest economic partner of both the nations both in terms of investment and trade. It is also expanding its political sphere by backing the current governments and helping in the establishment of various political infrastructure projects. With the establishment of its first offshore military base in Djibouti, China is also increasing its military footprint in the region. It has also become the major military hardware supplier to these nations which in a way is dynamically increasing China’s value in the region. This is directly challenging the US position and has led the US to come up with various countermeasures. This is therefore challenging the balance of power in the HoA. This we argue will enhance the power competition in the HoA region between both the nations in the coming times.
Document Type
Presentation
Recommended Citation
Woldearegay, T. (2023, April). The changing power dynamics in the HoA between the US and China: The cases of Djibouti and Ethiopia. Presented at the International Symposium on Africa-China Relations in an Era of Uncertain Future. Lingnan University, Hong Kong.
The changing power dynamics in the HoA between the US and China : the cases of Djibouti and Ethiopia
This paper will try to look at the changing power dynamics in the Horn of Africa between the US and China. The paper uses the case study of Djibouti and Ethiopia to analysis how there is an on-going alteration in the distribution of power between the US and China which is having an implication on the overall power dynamics in the region. Although the US still holds a power advantage vis-à-vis China in the HoA region the recent rise of China is challenging this discourse. With the launch of the BRI in 2013 China has slowly become the largest economic partner of both the nations both in terms of investment and trade. It is also expanding its political sphere by backing the current governments and helping in the establishment of various political infrastructure projects. With the establishment of its first offshore military base in Djibouti, China is also increasing its military footprint in the region. It has also become the major military hardware supplier to these nations which in a way is dynamically increasing China’s value in the region. This is directly challenging the US position and has led the US to come up with various countermeasures. This is therefore challenging the balance of power in the HoA. This we argue will enhance the power competition in the HoA region between both the nations in the coming times.