Eritrea, a small but fiercely independent nation in the Horn of Africa, has a history that mirrors many of the world’s most pressing geopolitical issues—colonialism, nationalism, war, migration, and authoritarianism. Its past is a tapestry of foreign domination, revolutionary struggle, and a contentious modern statehood that continues to spark debate.
In today’s world, where conflicts over sovereignty, refugee crises, and authoritarian governance dominate headlines, Eritrea’s story offers a lens through which we can examine broader global tensions. This blog explores Eritrea’s history, its impact on contemporary issues, and why this nation remains a critical case study in international relations.
Eritrea’s history stretches back millennia, with ties to the ancient Kingdom of Aksum (1st–8th century CE), a major trading empire that connected Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean. The region’s strategic Red Sea coastline made it a coveted prize for empires, from the Ottomans to the Egyptians.
Italy’s occupation in the late 19th century marked the beginning of modern Eritrea as a distinct entity. The Italians built infrastructure, including the iconic Asmara with its Art Deco architecture, but their rule was exploitative. Eritrea became a launching pad for Mussolini’s disastrous invasion of Ethiopia in 1935.
After Italy’s defeat in WWII, the British took control. The question of Eritrea’s future became a Cold War battleground. Ethiopia, backed by the U.S., pushed for annexation, while Eritreans were divided between independence and federation.
In 1962, Ethiopia formally annexed Eritrea, igniting a 30-year war for independence. The Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and later the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) led the resistance, employing guerrilla tactics against one of Africa’s largest armies.
The conflict was exacerbated by Cold War dynamics. The U.S. supported Ethiopia’s Marxist Derg regime, while the Soviet Union also backed Ethiopia at different times. Eritrean fighters, meanwhile, received limited support from Arab states and China.
After decades of war, the EPLF, alongside Ethiopian rebels, overthrew the Derg in 1991. A 1993 referendum saw 99.8% of Eritreans vote for independence, marking the birth of Africa’s youngest nation.
Eritrea’s early years were marked by optimism. The government, led by Isaias Afwerki, emphasized self-reliance (a policy called Hafash Wudubat), rejecting foreign aid and investing in infrastructure.
A dispute over the town of Badme escalated into a brutal two-year war, killing tens of thousands. Despite international arbitration awarding Badme to Eritrea, Ethiopia refused to withdraw until 2018. The war entrenched militarization in Eritrea.
Afwerki’s government, citing security threats, imposed indefinite national service (often described as forced labor), restricted press freedom, and banned opposition. Eritrea became known as the "North Korea of Africa," with mass emigration as a result.
Eritrea is one of the world’s top sources of refugees. Thousands flee annually, risking dangerous journeys through Libya or Sudan to reach Europe. This exodus highlights the failures of authoritarian governance and the global migration debate.
The 2018 peace deal with Ethiopia’s reformist PM Abiy Ahmed raised hopes for change, but Eritrea remains closed. Its alliances with China, Russia, and Gulf states (via Red Sea port deals) show its strategic importance in a multipolar world.
UN reports accuse Eritrea of crimes against humanity, yet sanctions have done little to change its policies. The country’s defiance raises questions about the effectiveness of international pressure on authoritarian regimes.
Eritrea’s history is a microcosm of global struggles—colonial legacies, Cold War proxy conflicts, nationalism, and the tension between sovereignty and human rights. Its future remains uncertain, but its story forces us to confront difficult questions:
As the world grapples with migration, authoritarianism, and shifting power dynamics, Eritrea’s past and present offer crucial lessons—if we are willing to listen.
What are your thoughts on Eritrea’s role in global politics today? Share your views in the comments!