Balance-of-Power Theory and the Ethiopian-Somali Conflict of 1977- 1978 (open access)

Balance-of-Power Theory and the Ethiopian-Somali Conflict of 1977- 1978

Balance-of-Power theory was tested by examining the 1977-1978 Ethiopian-Somali conflict and its outcome. The theory, according to Waltz (1979), claims to explain the international outcome arising from realpolitik or power politics, namely, the formation of balances of power. Given the close fit between the major developments leading to the eruption of conflict and the principal propositions of balance-of-power theory, the outcome of the conflict was expected to be consistent with that posited by the theory. This expectation was borne out by the study's finding which indicated that the conflict has produced a similar result. Confirmation of the theory was achieved by further subjecting the finding to the verification test established by Waltz.
Date: December 1987
Creator: Ogundele, Ayodeji O. (Ayodeji Olusesi)
System: The UNT Digital Library