The Somaliland Phenomenon in international relations: between actual subjectivity and the politics of non-recognition

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the reasons why Somaliland, despite its long-standing experience of self-governance, established political instructions, and growing strategic importance in the Horn of Africa, continues to remain a marginally recognized actor in international relations. Research methods include qualitative case-study, structured comparison of Somaliland with South Sudan, analysis of scholarly literature, official documents of international organizations and open-source materials on diplomatic practice, electoral processes and regional security. Results of the research show that actual subjectivity of Somaliland is formed by connecting internal institutional capability, local recognition, historical argument, that is based on short-term Somaliland’s independence in 1960, the existence of diplomatic missions abroad and pragmatic connections with external partners. At the same time, non-recognition policy is sustained by the notion of "undivided Somalia", the African Union's reluctance to revisit colonially inherited borders, the absence of regional consensus, concerns about potential precedent for other separatist movements and the position of Somalia itself, presented by the Mogadishu-based government. Comparison with South Sudan confirms that the existence of effective internal governance is an insufficient condition for full international recognition. The determining factors instead tend to be consent or political weakness of the parent state, support of regional organizations and strategic utility for influential actors. Conclusions indicate that Somaliland should be considered as functionally involved, but status-limited actor. Its further recognition will fully depend on balance between regional security, external strategic interests in internal inclusivity and the reaction of international institutions to decisions of individual states on recognition.