Relaciones Internacionales en el Cuerno de África. El papel de los actores externos en el desarrollo interno de Somalia (1960-2017)

Abstract

This research analyses historical regional relations in the Horn of Africa, centred on Somalia, over a broad period of time. From the 1960s to the present day, this study examines Somalia's relations with the frontline states, i.e. those countries that share its borders, such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti. Similarly, we have chosen to analyse the role of Eritrea, which, although it does not share a border, its relationship with different Somali actors has proved to be decisive. To complete the jigsaw of the Horn of Africa, it has also been necessary to analyse the attitude of two international organisations that have become involved in Somali affairs. On the one hand, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), reconverted into the African Union (AU) at the dawn of the 21st century, and on the other hand, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The purpose of this research is based on the need to delve deeper into regional relations in a broad historical framework that allows us to glimpse the effects of these links on Somalia's internal development from 1960 to 2021. In order to achieve this objective, this study has a clear interdisciplinary component that brings together History, African Studies and International Relations. This interdisciplinarity is visible in the resources and sources used: official documentation from the governments involved, documentation from international organisations, local, regional and international newspaper resources, audiovisual sources, social networks and reports from associations and NGOs, among many others. As the reader will see, the research has been divided into five chapters that deal with the main historical processes experienced in Somalia: the Somali Republic (1960-1969), the socialist government of Mohamed Siad Barre (1969-1991), the first years of the Somali civil war (1991-2000), the first steps towards the reconstruction of Somalia (2000-2006) and, marked by the most current historical events, the path towards the stabilisation of the country (2007-2021).