Challenges and Prospects of Ethio-Egypt Bilateral Relations With Respect to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

This study investigates challenges and prospects of Ethio-Egypt bilateral relations with respect to the Grand Renaissance Dam. It aims to examine the historical bilateral relation of the states and tries to assess the implication of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam for bilateral relations of the two countries. It further identifies the challenges and prospects of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam construction process. On the basis of the nature and objective of the problem, this research applied qualitative research methods, using both primary and secondary sources. The research has been mainly based on secondary resources and related literature. Based on using this methodology, the main findings of the study revealed that biased historical writings, Egyptians' perception towards the Nile River, biased media reports, unsound decisions of Egyptian elites for the sake of power, and Egypt’s role in blocking finance for the project through persuading international creditors, as well as their persistent campaign to maintain presumed hegemony on Nile water share, were the major challenges affecting the bilateral relation of the two states. Therefore, Egyptian perception that comes from communication and trust and the lack of commitment of leaders are the major challenges that affect the bilateral relation of the two states in relation to the GERD.