Strategy for the Horn of Africa
Abstract
Instability in the Horn of Africa has lasted for many years. The causes of the instability are colonization of Africa by European powers, the rivalry of the superpowers during the cold war due to the Horn's strategic location and finally the internal political crisis within the countries. The Horn was considered strategically important during the cold war as it provided the vital sealanes to the Middle East and South West Asia. The Horn provides the shortest east to west oil transportation routes. The countries that border the Horn of Africa are players in any strategic consideration of the Middle East. The Gulf War and the end of cold war seem to have reduced the strategic importance of the Horn. Since the end of the cold war has not reduced the world's dependence on oil, the Horn of Africa will continue to play a part in Middle East affairs and its strategic importance will remain. The paper considers the causes of the instability in the region. It is assessed that a conflict in the Horn would significantly hurt the interests of the U.S. and her allies. The paper concludes by recommending a strategic formulation for the region
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 16, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264860
Entities
People
- Joseph Kimani
Organizations
- United States Army War College