English

DTIC ADA082219: The Soviet Involvement in the Ogaden War

Moscow's involvement in the Somali-Ethiopian conflict in 1977 and 1978 culminated in the most impressive exercise of Soviet politico-military diplomacy since Angola. An analysis of that involvement then can help us approach those questions that have been asked regarding Soviet policy formulation in Third World crises. In regard to motivation in Soviet policy, these questions include: To what extent is Soviet crisis behavior purposive? To what degree is Soviet policy reactive? Concerning the modality of Soviet policy: Is Soviet 'crisis policy' activist or cautious? In regard to Soviet performance in these crises: How well have the Soviets done during crises in light of their policy objectives? Before evaluating Soviet foreign policy in the Ogaden War in terms of these questions, it is first useful to summarize the salient events in the Horn in 1977 and 1978. After doing so, we will discuss Soviet involvement in terms of the questions raised above.

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