Egypt and the Renaissance Dam Crisis: Towards an Alternative Policy?

The assessment analyzes the Egyptian government’s policy towards Ethiopia’s plans to build the Renaissance Dam. This policy was based on highlighting the negative impact of building the dam, media exaggeration by showing Addis Ababa as an opponent keen on damaging Cairo’s interests, while Egypt’s demands were in ebb and flow from time to time. The assessment also points out the danger of keeping up this policy and the possible alternatives for Cairo, such as putting forth measures to build confidence with Addis Ababa or diplomatic escalation and pressure.