In: The journal of modern African studies: a quarterly survey of politics, economics & related topics in contemporary Africa, Volume 48, Issue 2, p. 343-346
In: The journal of modern African studies: a quarterly survey of politics, economics & related topics in contemporary Africa, Volume 44, Issue 3, p. 397-414
This paper discusses the logic of political identification by individuals and groups in the context of re-emerging state structures in northern Somalia. Current identities are analysed as 'political' identities, which are both a product of and a driving force behind political and military conflict in the region. In everyday life political cleavages can be bridged by cross-cutting ties based on neighbourhood, intermarriage or common experiences and history. Only when conflict reaches a certain level and violence escalates, do political identities become mutually exclusive and large-scale fighting become a real threat. Adapted from the source document.
AbstractThe above article (DOI: 10.1002/jid.1482) was published online in Early View on 6 October 2008. A printing error was subsequently identified in the article.Page 8, line 47: 'that' should read 'khat'.