Failed state phenomenon and the fight against radical terrorism: The case of Somalia and al Shabaab

This study examines the Failed State Phenomenon and the Fight against Radical Terrorism through the example of Somalia and Al Shabaab. Somalia provides a vivid example of the interactions of failed state structure and radical terrorism. Following the overthrow of the Siad Barre regime in 1991, Somalia was plunged into a protracted civil war between various rival groups and clans. This resulted in the failure of the transition from the colonial period to a modern state. Concepts like terrorism, starvation, piracy, and civil strife are associated with the nation. The terrorist group Al Shabaab has grown and spread as a result of state failure in Somalia, directly endangering people's security. As terrorism becoming more and more of a worldwide menace, it is critical to identify the factors that either initiate or exacerbate terrorism in order to maintain a lasting peace. Failed states are characterized as defective iterations of the nation-state paradigm that foster the formation of crisis zones and safe havens for terrorist organizations. The main aim of this analysis is to gain a deep understanding of the complex relationships between failed states, radical terrorism, and efforts to build peace and security in fragile contexts, particularly in cases such as Somalia. It is seen that an atmosphere of violence and chaos prevails in Somalia, and the weak state structure has continued since 1991. The political, social and economic factors affecting the failure of the Somali state in this period have been examined in detail. Additionally, the Somali government's strategy against Al Shabaab is also discussed in detail.