Browsing by Author "M. Ali, Nasir"

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    The Role of Internal and External Actors in Reshaping the African Nation States: the Case of Somalia
    (2015-06) M. Ali, Nasir; Hassen, Mohammed (Phd)
    Africa has been in a state of crises since independence, primarily linked to external influences which have social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions. The African states, not all, suffered the extreme consequences from unviable forms of political rule which criminalized both the state and the economy and produced ethnic contention and deeply divided society. The external actors are not the only chief architects of the Africa‟s lingering conflicts and state failures, but also their local actors in the post-colonial age are partially responsible for the political and economic troubles, and the frequent state collapse. Somalia, for example, became a victim of internal and external actors; while the post-state collapse actors are the tragic, violent outcome of gradually deteriorating political dynamics since 1991. From the rubble and ruins of the state, self-appointed warlords who struggled to rule the country from the barrels of guns, business groups and, later, Islamists aspire to power with the influence of external actors, both from the region and beyond exacerbated the political instability and economic shortcomings which impacted both on the state and the lives of the ordinary Somali citizens. In fact, numerous peacebuilding efforts and attempts at building a centralized Somali national government have failed due to extensive involvement of diverse external actors. Without exception, Somalia neighbors, Arab and Western states have been involved in Somalia‟s conflict for political and economic reasons. This study, therefore, dismisses that the external actors, both from the region and beyond will bring peace and stability to Somalia. Therefore, the issue should be considered as a Somali issue that has an economic, social, and political impact on the Somalis at large, and according to this suggestion, any resolution to the Somalia conflict needs indigenous efforts since it affects the internal peace and security of the Somali citizens as well as their destiny. Without a unified grassroots involvement, it is difficult to foresee a sustainable peace and stability in Somalia.