Somali'de federalizm ve ulusal kimlik

Somalia is grappling with the complexities of post-colonial statehood, deeply marred by a legacy of authoritarian rule, which has left a significant imprint on its contemporary social and political dynamics. Following the collapse of the central government in 1991, Somalia's political landscape has been restructured into a federal system, ostensibly to address a protracted clan-based power struggle and to foster a sense of national unity. Employing a quantitative research methodology, this study examines the correlation between the degrees of autonomy within federal constituent units and various dimensions of national identity, including citizens' sense of belonging, national attachment, social cohesion, and political participation. The findings indicate a paradox within the federalist approach: while increased autonomy correlates with greater political participation, it also associates with weakened national identity and social cohesion. This suggests that the federal system, while politically empowering, may inadvertently intensify societal divides. The study concludes with recommendations that suggest a recalibration of federal structures to balance regional autonomy with national unity and cohesion, an approach that is crucial for the long-term stability and development of Somalia. This research contributes to the discourse on federal governance in fragmented societies and offers insights that are pertinent for other nations grappling with similar challenges of identity politics and state-building. The significance of this study lies not only in its scholarly contribution, which bridges theoretical constructs with the lived realities of Somalia's federal governance but also in its practical implications. It provides an evidence-based foundation for informed policymaking aimed at reinforcing a cohesive national identity while respecting the autonomy of federal units—a narrative that, while unique to Somalia, has echoes in other divided societies grappling with similar governance challenges. Keywords: Federalism, National Identity, Somalia