U.S. - SOVIET COMPETITION FOR INFLUENCE IN THE HORN OF AFRICA (UNITED STATES)

In this study, the competition between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. for influence in the Horn of Africa is investigated by identifying and evaluating the foreign policy objectives of the superpowers in the Horn region. From these objectives general conclusions regarding the superpowers' overall foreign policy objectives and their competition for influence in the Third World are reached. Two regional case studies are utilized. The first, Ethiopia-Somalia, focuses on superpower involvement in the Horn during the 1977-1978 Ogaden War. The second focuses on their involvement during the 1979 Yemeni War. It appears from the studies that the U.S. places greater value upon offsetting Soviet presence and influence within the region, while the Soviets place a greater emphasis upon building influence by gaining political and/or ideological allies. In conclusion, these priorities appear to hold true in many Third World regions particularly during turbulent times.