The Failure System - The role of external actors in the Somali state collapse

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The history of the Somali conflict

2.1 Somali history before 1991

2.2 Digression: The Somali clan system

2.3 Somali history since 1991

3. Important internal actors and factions in Somalia

3.1 The Transitional Federal Government and allied groups

3.2 Autonomous regions

3.3 Warlords and anti-government groups

4. External actors in the Somali conflict

4.1 Theoretical perspectives: The internationalisation of internal conflicts

4.2 Neighbouring States

4.2.1. Ethiopia

4.2.2. Eritrea

4.2.3. Djibouti

4.2.4. Kenya

4.3 Global actors

4.3.1. United States

4.3.2. European States

4.3.3. Arab League states

4.4 International Organisations

4.4.1. African Union

4.4.2. United Nations

4.4.3. IGAD

4.5 Non-state external actors

4.6 The Somali diaspora

5. Conclusion

6. Literature

Research Objectives and Themes

The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the role of external actors in the collapse of the Somali state, arguing that the collapse is not merely an internal phenomenon but a systemic process exacerbated by massive external influence.

• The historical and sociological origins of the Somali conflict and clan dynamics.
• The interaction between internal factions and various external state and non-state actors.
• The theoretical framework of conflict internationalisation as applied to the Somali context.
• The motivations and strategies of neighbouring states, global powers, and international organisations.
• The impact of war economies and the Somali diaspora on the sustainability of the conflict.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: Defines the thesis as an analysis of the "failure system" in Somalia, outlining the hypothesis that state collapse is a systemic process driven by both internal and external factors.

2. The history of the Somali conflict: Provides historical context on Somalia before and after 1991, with a focus on the role of the clan system in shaping conflict dynamics.

3. Important internal actors and factions in Somalia: Evaluates the Transitional Federal Government, the autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland, and various anti-government militant groups.

4. External actors in the Somali conflict: Analyzes the roles of neighbouring states, global actors, international organisations, and non-state actors in influencing the conflict.

5. Conclusion: Summarizes findings, emphasizing the destructive nature of external interventions and suggesting that a federal solution might mitigate the power struggle.

6. Literature: Lists the comprehensive bibliographic resources used to conduct the research.

Keywords

Somalia, state collapse, external actors, clan system, Transitional Federal Government, Ethiopia, Eritrea, proxy war, al-Shabaab, conflict internationalisation, humanitarian intervention, geopolitical interests, security dilemma, war economy, diaspora.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this thesis?

The work examines the collapse of the Somali state, specifically investigating how external actors have contributed to and influenced this systemic failure.

What are the primary thematic fields covered?

The research explores history, sociological clan structures, regional power politics, international relations, and the political economy of the ongoing civil war.

What is the central research question?

The thesis asks what role external actors have played in the process of state failure in Somalia.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The author utilizes a systemic analysis approach, drawing upon international relations theory—specifically Michael Brown's framework on conflict internationalisation—to categorize and analyze various interventions.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body details the historical background of the conflict, the political landscape of internal Somali factions, and an extensive evaluation of external actors including neighbouring states, global powers, and international organizations.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include state failure, clan-based conflict, external proxy wars, geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa, and the impact of regional security concerns on the Somali peace process.

How does the author view the role of Somaliland and Puntland?

The author identifies these regions as "islands of stability" that have managed to establish rudimentary state-like structures despite lacking formal international recognition.

Why does the author consider the Ethiopia-Eritrea rivalry significant?

The rivalry is viewed as a major systemic determinant of the Somali conflict, as both nations utilize various Somali factions as proxies to wage war against each other, thereby obstructing peace efforts.

What is the "failure system" as described by the author?

It is defined as a system of mutually reinforcing factors, including clan violence, war economics, historical marginalisation, and external interference that traps Somalia in a cycle of instability.