International Journal of Political Science and Development
 

International Journal of Political Science and Development

Vol. 3(11), pp. 433–440, December, 2015.  

DOI: 10.14662/IJPSD2015.049

ISSN: 2360-784X

Research Paper

Public Diplomacy as Method of Conflict Prevention on Nile basin

Tadesse Abebe (M.A)

Wolkite University, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Section of Journalism and Communication

Email- ethiotadde@gmail.com

Accepted 13 November 2015

Ethiopia had turned a leaf in her foreign policy in the past two decades. The Foreign Policy and National Security Strategy has redefined and re-evaluated her priorities, identified the major threats to Ethiopia and indeed to its survival: economic backwardness and the desperate poverty affecting a large majority of the population. In particular, with regard to bilateral relations, the policy clearly stipulated that Ethiopia was pursuing engagement with all other countries on the basis of the principle of mutual interest and respect. Relations with all neighbors over the last two decades have been a testament to the seriousness with which the country has adhered to these principles. Importantly, Ethiopia believes that whatever differences countries may have, issues of common concern can only be addressed on the basis of constructive engagement, of dialogue and in a manner that allows for a win-win outcome for all. Ethiopia was determined that the Nile can and indeed should be a source of cooperation and mutually beneficial relations between Ethiopia, Egypt and other lower stream country in a whole number of ways. This has not, however, always been the case. Indeed, the issue of the use of the Nile water has often been a major sticking point in the relationship, a major stumbling block to any sort of robust bilateral link that might have enhanced the interests of both countries. Ethiopia attaches great importance to its relations with Egypt, over the Nile as in the area of security. It accepts that Egypt has legitimate interests in the use of the Nile River. Equally, it sincerely believes that the only way any controversy over the use of such a common resource can be settled is through dialogue and the principle of equitable utilization of the water, without causing significant harm to others. When it comes to foreign relations, countries will always pursue their national interests. A sober assessment of the methods used to do this, including the use of soft power and hard power, is indispensable to success. In the information age, soft power, which is the ability to shape what others want and projecting a positive image, stands tall as a technique to help achieve foreign policy goals? Indeed, public diplomacy through the employment of soft power has helped countries communicate values and achieve foreign policy objectives.

 

Cite This Article As: Abebe T (2015). Public Diplomacy as Method of Conflict Prevention on Nile basin. Inter. J. Polit. Sci. Develop. 3(11): 433-440

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