ABSTRACT
Periodic open warfare between Ethiopia and Somalia over the border presents the impression of specifically regional international conflict at a particular time between established actors whose interests are defined, consequential, and irreconcilable. If there is one defining feature of the long-standing conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia, it is multidimensionality. This chapter presents two principal hypotheses. First, the very multidimensionality of the conflict has served to diminish the possibilities of escalation, while the responses of the principal regional actors to the multidimensionality of the conflict have led to a reduced likelihood of superpower confrontation in the Horn of Africa. Such responses appear to have been accepted and/or encouraged by the superpowers. Second, the multidimensionality of the Ethiopia-Somalia conflict presents both barriers and possibly unexplored opportunities for multilateral conflict management. The chapter also suggests some possible lessons and insights for multilateral conflict management of multidimensional conflicts in developing countries, drawing on the Horn of Africa experience.
