Conflict in Time, Petrified in Space: Kenya-Somalia Border Geopolitical Conflicts
Abstract
In response to Kenyan citizens growing uneasiness with regard to the cross-border violence from Somalia-based terrorists, the government of Kenya has begun to erect a barrier along its shared border with Somalia. This thesis looks at the interconnectedness of the KenyaSomalia borderlands that are home to the Somali ethnic group and the potential impact of the border barrier on this population. The thesis examines the link between the historical bordering process carried out by the colonial and post-colonial powers, which contributes to the complexity of border security. Geopolitical analysis examines this process and the emergence of identity politics within the Somali ethnic group, as well as how this ethnic identity has been exploited by terrorists and contributed to conflicts. Additionally, securitization theory explains not only the governments decision to harden the border, but also the population's acceptance of an existential threat that legitimizes it. The research concludes that the barrier on the KenyaSomalia border will impact the Somali ethnic group in the borderlands. To minimize this impact, the research recommends the border fence as a temporary solution to enhance security in Kenya and suggests ways for the government to leverage the support of the borderlands population to effectively ensure this solution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1046486
Entities
People
- Carolyne M. Mutisya
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School