Somalia: Economy Without State

In the wake of the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, a second or informal economy based on trans-border trade and smuggling is thriving. While focusing primarily on pastoral and agricultural markets, Peter D. Little demonstrates that the Somalis are resilient and opportunistic and that they use their limited resources effectively. While it is true that many Somalis live in the shadow of brutal warlords and lack access to basic health care and education, Little focuses on those who have managed to carve out a productive means of making ends meet under difficult conditions and emphasizes the role of civic culture even when government no longer exists. Exploring questions such as, Does statelessness necessarily mean anarchy and disorder? Do money, international trade, and investment survive without a state? Do pastoralists care about development and social improvement? This book describes the complexity of the Somali situation in the light of international terrorism.

Author: Peter D. Little
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 10/30/2003
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.61lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.30w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780253216489

Review Citation(s):
Choice 05/01/2004 pg. 1711

About the Author

Peter D. Little is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Kentucky. He is author of The Elusive Granary: Herder, Farmer, and State in Northern Kenya