Menelik II of Ethiopia had a significant impact on Ethiopian foreign policy during his reign from 1889 to 1913. The following are some of the foreign policy objectives, behaviors, dimensions, and international relations during his time: Foreign Policy Objectives: - Protecting the sovereignty of Ethiopia and ensuring its independence from colonization by European powers. - Expanding Ethiopia's territories, especially towards the south and southwest. - Developing commercial relations with other nations to improve Ethiopia's economic prospects. - Establishing diplomatic ties with European powers to ensure their recognition of Ethiopia as an independent state. Foreign Policy Behaviors: - Menelik II was a skilled diplomat who conducted negotiations and treaties that helped prevent colonization of Ethiopia by European powers. He also maintained friendly relations with some European powers, such as Italy and France. - Menelik II’s government conducted several military campaigns to expand Ethiopia’s territory, which greatly increased Ethiopia's borders towards modern-day South Sudan and Kenya. - Menelik II's government protected its borders from neighboring countries, such as Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, and enforced trade tariffs on foreign goods to foster local industries. Foreign Policy Dimensions: - Expansionism: Menelik II aimed at territorial expansion, partly to escape the encirclement by foreign colonies and Ethiopians’ historical desire for more land and resources. - Diplomacy: Menelik II worked on improving Ethiopia's international image, signing agreements with foreign governments, exchanging ambassadors, and opening diplomatic missions in various countries. - Economic relations: The government sought to develop commercial relations with foreign powers, including exporting coffee and importing weapons. International Relations: - Ethiopia maintained friendly diplomatic relations with major European powers of the time, notably France, Italy, and Russia. - Ethiopia also enjoyed favorable relations with some Middle Eastern and Asian powers, like Turkey, Persia, and Japan. - Ethiopia also maintained good relations with the United States after short-lived altercation, and the two countries signed a trade deal in 1910.