Publication

This report analyzes the fragile political and economic situation in Eritrea following the devastating war with Ethiopia (1998-2000). It argues that the militarism and authoritarianism which now define the political culture in Eritrea have their roots in the region’s violent history. Militarized politics has spilled into foreign policy, the latter frequently involving armed responses and aggressive adventurism at the expense of conventional diplomacy. To avoid a fresh crisis in the Horn of Africa, argue the authors, the international community and the Eritreans alike will need to demonstrate a new level of imagination and flexibility.