Suchergebnisse

The chaos in Somalia has obscured a remarkable political development in the country's north. Somaliland, the secessionist northwestern slice of Somalia which declared its independence in 1991, has held three consecutive competitive elections since 2001, has a parliament controlled by opposition parties, and boasts a burgeoning economy propelled by the private sector. The key to its success—the integration into politics of traditional Somali models of governance by consultation and consent—provides a contrast to the standard development paradigm in the West.

Noting that fragile states are seen by many as a pressing national security concern, it is argued that efforts to assist them fail given a lack of appreciation for the centrality of social cohesion to successful development. Four reasons why social cohesion is ignored are presented before offering a new development paradigm that addresses how developed countries attained that status, why some developing countries succeed despite their diversity, & what structural problems prevent fragile states from achieving the same. A fundamental change in the character of aid to fragile states centered on the recognition of the importance of local realities & local solutions is advocated. Adapted from the source document.