Theorizing Stability of Somali State: In the light of the Comprehensive Perspective of Somali Studies

Abstract

This essay addresses the Somali state-building challenges and emphasizes the need to explore the relationship between modern state structures and traditional Somali society. Critiquing existing perspectives such as the Anthropological, Marxist, and Revisionist approaches, the author proposes an alternative viewpoint called the “Comprehensive Perspective” (CP). The CP rejects exceptionalization, clannization, secularization, and patriarchization within Somali studies, advocating for an inclusive approach encompassing all elements of Somali society. The essay presents six scenarios representing the Somali mindset, highlighting the varying loyalties to Islam, nationalism, and clan, which pose significant challenges to state-building. The essay concludes that reconciliation between state and society requires reconciling political elites, restructuring traditional institutions, addressing past grievances, and establishing a foundation for a shared future. This process should be reflected in constitutional provisions and legal frameworks, and non-state actors should be integrated. This integration will lead to the development of a ‘stability model for Somali state-building. Keywords: Somali studies, Somali state, state building.