SECURITY CRISES IN SOMALIA: STRATEGIC APPROACHES AND FOREIGN POLICY OPTIONS

Abstract

The security turmoil in Somalia has gained widespread attention in academic discourse. This paper sheds light on the security challenges in Somalia. While indicating the epicenter of the contemporary puzzle, the paper will also recommend policy options and available strategies. Besides political disagreements, given an overview of Somalia's internal and external challenges, one could argue that security is one of the main factors affecting national development. In particular, the fundamental security strategy in the military, maritime, and intelligence departments is critically incompetent. Additionally, as foreign policy is significant for the state's internal and external survival, Somalia failed to adopt an effective foreign policy that can explain critical security challenges. The nation has been a victim of negative intervention in the name of fighting against terrorism, religion, and extremism. Domestically, tribalism and terrorism significantly damaged national security architecture. The security turmoil in the country affected not only the nationwide but also regional stability. This study will explore the available options for the government in terms  of national security building and adopting effective foreign policy options based on the country’s historical context.