Conflict in time, petrified in space: Kenya-Somalia border geopolitical conflicts
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Authors
Mutisya, Carolyne M.
Subjects
border
identity
ethnic group
geopolitics
conflict
identity
ethnic group
geopolitics
conflict
Advisors
Nieto-Gá½€mez, Rodrigo
Halladay, Carolyn
Date of Issue
2017-06
Date
Jun-17
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
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 Kenya-Somalia 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 government's 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 Kenya-Somalia 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.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.