HOW DOES THE GEOPOLITICAL POSITION OF DJIBOUTI INFLUENCE ITS RELATIONS WITH GREAT POWERS?

Authors : Göktuğ Çalişkan, Pelin Aliyev

Pages : 190-229

Doi:10.58685/dsd.1363485

View : 82 | Download : 354

Publication Date : 2023-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Djibouti gained independence in 1977 after being ruled by France for nearly a century. However, Djibouti remained under French influence for a long time due to both the military agreement with France and the economic aid provided by this country. Moreover, it had to act more distant when establishing relations with other countries. However, under the leadership of Omar Guelleh, who came to power in 1999, a new process was entered in foreign policy with the adoption of the principle of multilateralism in diplomatic relations. Djibouti, which has become a center of attraction for great powers such as the USA, China and Russia, as well as France, has started to cooperate with these countries in different fields. This study points out that Djibouti’s geopolitical position is the main factor that determines its relations with these great powers and prompts these countries to cooperate with Djibouti. It is also observed that Djibouti has turned its geopolitical position into a tool of its development strategy.
Keywords : Afrika Boynuzu, Cibuti, Enerji Güvenliği, Küresel Güçler, Küresel Rekabet