Economist Podcasts

Tigray area: Ethiopia’s deadly standoff

Nov 25, 2020
Joining the discussion are Tom Gardner, an Addis Ababa correspondent with insights into the Tigray conflict, and Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor focusing on AI in military roles. They cover the escalating Tigray crisis, where armed forces are defying the government's disarmament deadline, and the humanitarian fallout that follows. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in aerial dogfights, highlighting the surprising need for human pilots despite AI advancements. They also touch on the cultural impact and rising popularity of mixed martial arts.
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INSIGHT

Tigray Conflict Escalation

  • Ethiopia's civil war escalated after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's surrender deadline passed.
  • The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) refused to disarm, leading to further conflict.
ANECDOTE

Maikadra Massacre

  • A massacre in Maikadra resulted in the death of approximately 600 Amhara civilians.
  • Amhara militia joined the federal government in fighting against forces aligned with the TPLF.
INSIGHT

Regional Conflict Risk

  • The TPLF fired rockets at Asmara, Eritrea's capital, threatening regional conflict.
  • Eritrea's involvement is likely due to President Isaias Afwerki's past conflict with the TPLF.
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