The analysis of state failure and state collapse has gained widespread academic interest over the last years and combines various academic disciplines related to the reasons of non-functioning states and the variables which lead to state failure. This essay will try to contribute to the actual debate by examining to what extent patterns of political behavior can be used to explain state failure within developing states and, more particular, state collapse in Somalia. Therefore, this essay will first discuss theoretical approaches trying to explain state failure and the differences between state failure and state collapse. I will argue that the complexity of state failure and state collapse leads to an ongoing debate about the nature and perception of these states which is often misleading. Whereas the dominant factors which cause state failure are often found in bad governance and bad leadership, other factors such as the role of external patterns of political behavior during colonial times as well as during the cold war fostered weak state structures and enabled African rulers to develop a different understanding of the state as a tool for personal ends that lead to a logic of self-destructive despotism prior to state collapse.
In a second step the article examines the case of Somalia in further detail, trying to analyze causes of state collapse and the impact of political behavior that led to state failure within the Somali context. I will argue that on the one hand patterns of political behavior by foreign actors are one main cause of Somali state collapse. On the other hand, the rule of Siyaad Barre and his patterns of political behavior followed a logic of self-destructive despotism which contributed largely to the fact that Somalia collapsed in 1991, when Barre was ousted.
Finally, I will draw a conclusion based on the presented analysis to what extent patterns of political behavior within development states can explain state failure.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Theorizing state failure and state collapse
- The Case of Somalia
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the extent to which patterns of political behavior within developing states can explain state failure, focusing specifically on the collapse of the Somali state. It analyzes theoretical approaches to state failure and collapse, differentiating between the two concepts. The essay then investigates the Somali case study to illustrate the role of internal and external political behavior in state failure.
- Theoretical frameworks for understanding state failure and collapse
- The role of bad governance and leadership in state failure
- The impact of external political behavior (colonialism and Cold War interventions)
- The case study of Somalia and its state collapse
- The logic of self-destructive despotism
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Theorizing state failure and state collapse: This section delves into the complexities of defining and understanding state failure and state collapse, contrasting them with the idealized Western model of statehood. It explores Doornbos' six patterns of state failure, highlighting the interconnectedness of weak institutions, authoritarian rule, resource competition, and societal tensions. The section critically examines the "failed state" discourse, acknowledging critiques that it can be a justification for Western intervention while neglecting the role of local actors and the historical context of colonial and post-colonial rule. The author acknowledges the limitations of generalizations, emphasizing the need for in-depth case-by-case analyses. The section sets the theoretical groundwork for understanding the subsequent case study of Somalia.
The Case of Somalia: This section presents a detailed analysis of the Somali state collapse, arguing that both internal and external political behaviors played significant roles. External factors, including the actions of foreign actors, are identified as major contributors. Internally, the rule of Siyaad Barre and his self-destructive despotism are highlighted as crucial elements leading to the state's demise in 1991. This section connects the broader theoretical framework established earlier to the specific context of Somalia, demonstrating how the interplay of internal and external factors contributed to the collapse. The discussion links Barre's actions to the concepts of self-destructive despotism, bureaucracy undermining, and the erosion of the monopoly on the use of violence, aligning with Englehart's theory.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
State failure, state collapse, Somalia, political behavior, bad governance, self-destructive despotism, colonialism, Cold War, external intervention, failed state discourse, weak state institutions, authoritarian rule, Englehart, Doornbos, Jones.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay examines the extent to which patterns of political behavior within developing states can explain state failure, specifically focusing on the collapse of the Somali state. It analyzes theoretical approaches to state failure and collapse, differentiating between the two concepts and investigating the role of internal and external political behavior in the Somali case study.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include theoretical frameworks for understanding state failure and collapse; the role of bad governance and leadership; the impact of external political behavior (colonialism and Cold War interventions); the case study of Somalia and its state collapse; and the concept of self-destructive despotism.
What theoretical frameworks are used to analyze state failure?
The essay explores Doornbos' six patterns of state failure, highlighting weak institutions, authoritarian rule, resource competition, and societal tensions. It also considers critiques of the "failed state" discourse and incorporates Englehart's theory, particularly regarding self-destructive despotism.
What role did internal factors play in the collapse of the Somali state?
The rule of Siyaad Barre and his self-destructive despotism are highlighted as crucial internal factors leading to the Somali state's collapse in 1991. This includes elements like bureaucracy undermining and the erosion of the monopoly on the use of violence.
What role did external factors play in the collapse of the Somali state?
The essay identifies external factors, including the actions of foreign actors during colonialism and Cold War interventions, as major contributors to the collapse of the Somali state. These external behaviors interacted with internal factors to contribute to the overall demise.
How does the essay define and differentiate between "state failure" and "state collapse"?
The essay delves into the complexities of defining and understanding state failure and state collapse, contrasting them with an idealized Western model of statehood. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of various factors and acknowledges the limitations of generalizations, highlighting the need for in-depth case-by-case analyses.
What are the limitations acknowledged by the author regarding the study of state failure?
The author acknowledges the limitations of generalizations about state failure, emphasizing the need for in-depth case-by-case analyses. Critiques of the "failed state" discourse are also considered, acknowledging potential biases and the neglect of local actors and historical context.
What are the key takeaways from the Somali case study?
The Somali case study demonstrates how the interplay of internal and external factors contributed to state collapse. It illustrates the practical application of theoretical frameworks to understand a specific instance of state failure, highlighting the significance of both internal governance issues and the impact of external political actions.
What keywords are associated with this essay?
Key words include: State failure, state collapse, Somalia, political behavior, bad governance, self-destructive despotism, colonialism, Cold War, external intervention, failed state discourse, weak state institutions, authoritarian rule, Englehart, Doornbos, Jones.
- Citation du texte
- Florian Meyer (Auteur), 2010, To what extent can state failure be explained by patterns of political behavior within developing states?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/152220
