Ideological Divisions and Their Impact on Libyan-Ethiopian Relations (1969–1974)

Abstract

The study examines the impact of ideological differences between the Libyan and Ethiopian regimes on the nature of bilateral relations during the period 1969–1974, a phase marked by the rise of the revolutionary regime in Libya in contrast to the continued existence of the conservative imperial regime in Ethiopia. The study demonstrates that this difference was not limited to the form of government but extended to political vision, the nature of foreign alliances, positions on liberation issues, and the understanding of the regional role within Africa. After 1969, Libya adopted a nationalist revolutionary discourse hostile to the monarchy and Western influence, while Ethiopia relied on traditional and religious legitimacy and maintained close ties with the United States, a fact that deepened the divide between the two countries. This ideological divergence was also directly reflected in the areas of political, economic, cultural, and military cooperation, as relations between the two countries remained limited to formal diplomatic representation and limited communications, without developing into a strategic partnership or broad institutional cooperation. Although Libya and Ethiopia participated in regional and international frameworks such as the Organization of African Unity, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations, this was not sufficient to overcome the deep ideological and political differences between them. The study concludes that the ideological factor constituted one of the main structural determinants governing the course of Libyan-Ethiopian relations and contributed to perpetuating mutual caution and undermining opportunities for practical cooperation during the period under study.