What are the Domestic and International Drivers of Al-Shabaab's Evolution? Which Driver(s) Have Had the Most Impact on the Group's Evolution?
Abstract
Al-Shabaab, a Somali-based militant group, has been destabilizing the Horn of Africa region since its formalemergence in 2006. While its initial attacks focused on Somalia and weakening the transitional government, thegroup has evolved into a transnational threat through cross-border attacks into Kenya and Uganda. Previousscholars have analyzed both domestic and transnational factors contributing to al-Shabaabs evolution andendurance. To further contribute to understanding how the group has remained resilient, this thesis takes a uniqueapproach in analyzing domestic and transnational drivers separately. To understand domestic drivers, I looked atcountry case studies to demonstrate how al-Shabaab leverages domestic challenges. To understand transnationaldrivers, I evaluated al-Shabaabs activities crossing and transcending borders and how these have contributed toits expansion. Findings included that corruption has been the foundational challenge, both domestically andtransnationally, exacerbating the effects of other drivers like ineffective counterterrorism policies and porousborders. Furthermore, the analysis revealed al-Shabaabs inconsistent opportunistic use of ideology depending onthe context. Finally, from a transnational perspective, al-Shabaabs activities outside of Somalia can be dividedinto global and regional spheres of effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1200382
Entities
People
- Neha U. Athavale
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School