Dissertation Proposal Defense: Cleophus Thomas III - The Future of Federalism in Somalia: Obstacles, Aspirations, & Opportunities

Dissertation Proposal Defense: Cleophus Thomas III
The Future of Federalism in Somalia: Obstacles, Aspirations, & Opportunities

Tuesday, May 3rd
2:00pm-4:00pm
Metropolitan Building Room 5000

Committee
Dr. Terrence Lyons (Chair)
Dr. Susan Hirsch
Dr. Mariely Lopez-Santana

Many scholars have advocated for various forms of power-sharing in states emerging from violent conflict in order to provide governance structures that can promote inter-ethnic cooperation, local political empowerment, and effective institutions that can reduce the likelihood of re-escalation. Others warn it could harden social divisions and prove difficult to implement in weak states with few institutions. My dissertation will apply this debate to the context of Somalia, which ramped up efforts to implement a federal model of government in 2012 to divide power between the central government and regions in order to address longstanding conflict and governance gaps. In looking at how the process occurred from 2012-2016, I argue that efforts to implement federalism have been hampered by non-inclusive politics, the divergent interests of foreign actors, and the absence of sufficient opportunities for Somalis to discuss how federalism could work in the country. I also argue efforts to implement a one person-one vote system in the country must heed Somalis' mutual aspirations for fair clan distribution, as well as the desire for voting rights to extend beyond traditional elders. This research will contribute to how scholars and practitioners think about how power-sharing can work in weak states emerging from civil war.