The "Borderlandization" of the Horn of Africa in Relation to the Gulf Region, and the Effects on Somalia

Over the last decade, the Gulf states and their rivals have become major players in domestic and regional politics in the Horn of Africa. Through the process of "borderlandization," their influence has contributed to the shift of the region, and particularly Somalia, from an African borderland to an Arabic-Muslim borderland. In addition, borderlandization has provided a framework for the import into Somalia of conflicts between Gulf states and the debate between different Muslim countries, which could easily jeopardize the fragile Somali state. This is due to the fact that factionalism and division are deeply embedded in Somali politics, thus creating an opportunity for local groups to employ the support of foreign actors to maximize their influence and power.