Building on the relatively sparse contemporary literature on relations between the Gulf States and the Horn of Africa, Ylönen explores competition, lack of capacity, and power asymmetries spanning state, sub-state and non-state actors. His theoretical contribution which highlights agency within a competition rubric, as well as deep dive case studies including Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea, will be valuable to scholars working at all levels in this field.

Dr Robert Mason, Non-Resident Fellow, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

The perceptive and engaging book covers new ground at two levels. On the one hand, Ylonen presents critical new material on an important yet under-reported field: the economic and political interaction between two strategically-significant neighbouring areas: the Gulf and the Horn of Africa. On the other hand he emphasises dimensions of inter-state relations which have heretofore been underplayed. He moves away from a state-centric approach and emphasis the significance of domestic interest groups and actors in shaping relationships. A truly important contribution to the field.

Tim Niblock, Chair, Professor in the Institute of International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University, China; and Emeritus Professor of Middle East Politics, University of Exeter, UK

This timely publication contextualises the contemporary presence of Middle Eastern and Gulf countries in the Horn of Africa ... [It] convincingly demonstrates the limitations of the realist paradigm when analysing the international relations of small and fragile states. Beyond its theoretical contributions, the book's empirical findings are a cause for pause concerning the nature of African countries' engagements with Gulf and Middle-Eastern states.

South African Journal of International Affairs