Customer Reviews

Becoming Somaliland: Reconstructing a Failed State (African Issues)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bradbury offers multiple reasons for having a better, more stable democratic or regional transition. What were the factors that contributed to their success? Somaliland received very little initial aid in the 90s, they were homogeneous within the Isaaq clan, they built solidarity through a civil war with Somalia and collective persecution and finally, Somaliland is small.

Which factor was the greater influence? What factors are missing? In everything Somaliland looks like a guinea pig for statehood and state-making. Would it look so good once they finally achieve the international recognition? Are they doing better because they are working so hard to reach the goal? My take on the success... Somaliland is a fat, healthy guinea pig. Is it worth it to give that up?

Somaliland had worked much closer and better with Ethiopia unlike Somalia where Ethiopia is the enemy.
Somaliland has no 'enemy' to fight against to rally for secession. There is no foreign army or persecutor they can charge. There is no one forcing them to create a certain type of government, hybrid or not. All the initiatives are internal which means Somaliland can't point their finger at anyone but themselves. Without a scapegoat, the people actually get along better, regardless of their government type or style.

Can Somaliland's success be reproduced anywhere else? That would be difficult. Bradbury does give a good look at the history.