The situation in Somalia today embodies some of the most pressing issues in international relations. How should the international community deal with the collapsed state that is Somalia? From the presence of al-Qaeda operatives to pirates, to what extent is Somalia a threat to global peace and commerce? Which aspects of Somalia's economic, social and political landscape can be considered successful, and how do these ‘success stories’ reflect some of the more problematic issues the country faces?
This book sheds light on all of these topics and more. The book is written to appeal to a wide audience, from specialists in international security, development and/or humanitarian issues, to students and casual readers. Its six contributing authors, with their focus on current events mixed with historical perspective, ensure readers get varying views of what is happening today in the Horn of Africa.
The book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary African Studies.
1. Introduction: The Myth of ‘Somalia’ Brian J. Hesse 2. The UN-led Djibouti Peace Process for Somalia 2008–2009: Results and Problems Apuuli Phillip Kasaija 3. Somalia and Global Terrorism: A Growing Connection? Mohamed Ibrahim 4. The Fourth Point: An Examination of the Influence of Kenyan Somalis in Somalia Donovan C. Chau 5. An Open Letter to Uncle Sam: America, Pray Leave Somalia to its Own Devices Said S. Samatar 6. Putting Somali Piracy in Context J. Peter Pham 7. Where Somalia Works Brian J. Hesse
Biography
Brian Hesse is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Northwest Missouri State University, USA. He is also a seasonal African Safari Guide for the US-based company Cowabunga Safaris. In addition to articles in the Journal of Contemporary African Studies, Current History, International Journal, the Journal of Asia-Pacific Affairs, African Studies Review and other publications. Dr Hesse is author of the book The United States, South Africa and Africa: Of Grand Foreign Policy Aims and Modest Means.
