Briefing Paper

Democratic Peace Theory Vis-a-Vis “Energy Peace Theory”

“In writing this short article the author wanted to show the possibility of making peace among African countries. His argument lies in the concept of “Energy Peace Theory”. For the purpose of this article “Energy” is defined as any power (with the exception of nuclear power) that can be exported to other countries through wire and pipeline. According to this narrow definition, “Energy” includes petroleum, hydroelectric, thermal, wind and solar energy. The benchmark in this article is the East African region. It is a well-known area for problems, including piracy, terrorism – a branch of Al-Qaida exist in Somalia, draught, food shortages, refugees, and wars such as the Ethio-Eritrea conflict. In addition, Somalia is not yet fully stable, there are problems between the two Sudans, internal conflict in Sudan (the Blue Nile force, Darfur force, Nuba Mountain force) and a humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Eritrea is playing a negative role in the Horn of Africa and is being punished by sanctions implemented by the U.N. and similar organizations. Moreover there is no democracy in Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti. Only Ethiopia and Kenya are trying to exercise democracy in the region. According to the Democratic Peace Theory, it is hopeless to maintain peace in the Horn of Africa. In such a situation the economic link can serve as a transitional period to maintain peace until democracy spreads in the region.”