The Djibouti Question (French Somaliland) and its international impact (1945-2017)

Abstract

The Djibouti issue represents a unique model of geopolitical interactions during the Cold War, embodying the struggle between the Eastern and Western camps for influence in the strategically important Horn of Africa region. The international stance on this issue was characterized by the complexity and interconnected nature of international conflict within the Cold War. This study gains significant importance by revealing the mechanisms by which the great powers exploit regional issues to achieve their geopolitical interests, and by analyzing the impact of international conflict on the course of local and regional issues. Furthermore, it understands the role of international organizations in managing conflicts during the Cold War. Regarding the theoretical and methodological framework, this study relies on international conflict theory to explain the behavior of the great powers, along with realist theory in analyzing the regional balance of power. The problem of the study revolves around the main question of how the Soviet-American conflict was formed and their position on the Djibouti issue, and what was the impact of international forums on the course of this issue. The structure of the study addresses the historical background of the colonial presence in Djibouti, then addresses the role and impact of international forums (the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity).  From a statement of the impact of the Soviet position on the expansionist strategy and support for Marxist movements on the one hand, and the American position and the strategy of containment and protection of Western interests, and an analysis of the results of international interactions on the future of Djibouti, and presenting a comprehensive analytical vision of the international factors influencing the Djibouti issue, seeking to reveal the hidden mechanisms of international conflict and their impact on the fate of peoples and regional issues, the researcher used many important foreign and Arab documents and sources, in addition to letters, academic columns and some newspapers.