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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 4
Publication Date: April 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/assrj.114.16879.
Issa-Salwe, A. M., & Osman, A. S. (2024). Keynan Somali Equation Theory: An Empirical Attempt to Explain What Led to the Collapse
of the Somali State. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(4). 226-235.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Keynan Somali Equation Theory: An Empirical Attempt to Explain
What Led to the Collapse of the Somali State
Abdisalam M Issa-Salwe
East Africa University
Abdullahi Salah Osman
East Africa University
ABSTRACT
With the introduction of the contemporary state structure in Somalia, there have
been and still are ways to explain what led to the collapse of the state. There have
been many attempts from scholars who viewed the Somali case from different
perspectives to explain what led to the state crumbling. The Somali state collapse
has rejected conventional wisdom and evaded almost all attempts to impose a
particular structure, explanation, or conclusion upon it. Much has been written and
said about the country, particularly since 1991. One serious attempt which may
help explain the Somali case is the Keynan Theory of Somali Equation (KSET). KSET
is a philosophical attempt to explain the Somali state's collapse by theorising the
country's political and social context, the factors that contributed to its demise, and
the steps necessary for the Somali people to reconstruct their state. This paper will
attempt to analyse and examine the theoretical framework of the phenomenon of
social order fragmentation, which is the foundation of KSET. Applying the theory
will further attempt to shed light on the factors that led to the establishment and
continuation of Somali society. It will also examine "the complex of ideas, values,
beliefs and institutions that define and underpin the Somali society" by looking at
the methodology applied in KSET.
Keywords: Keynan Somali Equation Theory (KSET), Somali equation, Collapse of Somali
state, Clanship, Islam, Somali nationalism, Somali modern state.
INTRODUCTION
Since 1991, a great deal has been written about what led to the collapse of Somali statehood.
According to Keynan, all have been bewildered by the story of Somalia. It resisted logic and
avoided nearly every attempt to force a specific structure, meaning, or resolution upon it. Not
only that, but the tragedy that struck Somalia has prompted the most extensive and most costly
worldwide endeavour ever undertaken in a developing country. (Logica, 2015).
The view and the conception were remarkable in the history of international relations and
global politics after World War II, as they deviated significantly from accepted international
conventions. Even with all the concern, worldwide solidarity, and goodwill that has been
shown, the Somali case has proven to be challenging to understand and resolve. While
significant progress, has been made in the humanitarian realm, nearly every other area has
yielded disappointing outcomes.
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Issa-Salwe, A. M., & Osman, A. S. (2024). Keynan Somali Equation Theory: An Empirical Attempt to Explain What Led to the Collapse of the Somali
State. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(4). 226-235.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.114.16879
Even though large-scale conflicts within and across clans have mainly decreased, the nation has
been without a functioning central government since 1991, making it the only one to experience
this unusual ailment for an extended period. Thus, neither the nature of the Somali ailment nor
its response to proposed solutions can be fully understood.
On the other hand, it would be problematic to adopt the stance that the Somali crisis cannot be
understood or resolved. It is known that quick fixes are never adequate in solving complex
issues. As stated above, the Somali crisis must be handled patiently and analysed adequately in
the right situations. Notwithstanding any different perspective as that of the Somali case, it
cannot be fixed until the foundations of the crisis are fully understood. Furthermore,
comprehending the nature of the crisis necessitates comprehending Somali society, its history
and politics. One can approach Somali history and politics from a variety of perspectives. This
study offers three distinct facets of Somali history as suitable points of entry for understanding
its main idea.
WHAT IS KEYNAN SOMALI EQUATION THEORY
According to the Keynan Somali Equation Theory (KSET), the concepts, principles, institutions
and values that characterise and support Somali society are what the theory refers to as the
"Somali equation" and how it is seen in the case of the Somali people.
The structural components of the fundamental traditions that define and support the Somali
equation, notably the state, clan systems and Islam, are the fundamental causes of the adversity
that befell the country. These fundamental customs must be reorganised and changed.
However, they must be fully understood before they can be recreated.
From different perspectives, the Somali culture is an interconnected set of values strong enough
to influence how people perceive, judge, communicate, and behave.
There are three fundamental traditions—the clan, Islamic culture, and the Westernised
governmental system — which are the theoretical foundations of the Somali equation. All these
fundamental traditions form a unique system. It also forms a crucial component of more
extensive and intricate norms and arrangements.
After a protracted and arduous period of mutual influence and assimilation, the trio of
fundamental traditions have merged to create an overall system of meaning.
According to social theory, ‘habitus refers to a system of enduringly acquired patterns of
perception, cognition, and behaviour similar to the Somali equation. The characteristics of a
person's acquired emotional and behavioural tendencies are unique. At the same time, the
learned dispositions that most members of a group or society have are referred to as their social
habitus. These two meanings of habitus are embodied in the concept of habitus. In real-life
settings, the two meanings are inextricably linked.
Theoretically, the Somali equation is an 'embodied' of the Somalis as most Somalis live out and
exhibit the three fundamental traditions that make up the Somali habitus. Many writers tend to
conceptualise the Somali people as just one fundamental tradition, mainly the clan system, and
therefore simplify the complicated Somali equation to a static, one-dimensional cosmos. This is
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 4, April-2024
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blatant reductionism. The Somali people embody all the fundamental core traditions of the
Somali equation. They are Muslims, nationalists, clan members, and citizens all at once.
In the Somali equation, one basic tradition may overshadow the other essential traditions, even
eclipse, but this does not mean the other traditions disappear into thin air. It indicates that the
dynamics of the Somali equation have shifted, which has unfavourably shifted the scales in
favour of one fundamental tradition. This dynamic can explain how the clan system became the
predominant core tradition of the present era.
THE FUNDAMENTAL CUSTOMS IN THE SOMALI EQUATION
The fundamental customs in the Somali equation are rearranged and redistributed whenever
the dynamics of the Somali habitus shift, which they often do. It is crucial to fully understand
the processes at play in Somali politics and recognise the circumstances and times when a
specific fundamental tradition becomes the governing force.
The dominance of masculinity in Somali society is a fundamental characteristic that defines the
Somali equation. More importantly, masculinity is a dynamic, multifaceted term in many
different contexts. Patriarchal attitudes, practices, and potentially violent behaviours are
socially constructed and are referred to as masculinity.
The Somali equation can, therefore, be defined as "the centre of the system of gendered power”
and "hegemonic masculinity." However, where is the origin of this masculinity? When it comes
to how they create and use gender relations, cultures differ widely. In Somali society, the
construction of the Somali equation has influenced the construction of masculinity. Hence, it is
crucial to explore the dynamics and deepest corners of the Somali equation to provide an
answer to this topic.
Indeed, the multitude of factors and traditions has formed the equation. The most significant
components, the state system, the clan system, and pastoral nomadism, have played a
significant role in creating a masculinised order that permeates Somali society. These traditions
are distinctive in that they are all marked by the following, as stated in the theory (Keynan,
2000)
a) A prevailing sense/perception of insecurity/threat,
b) A preoccupation with survival,
c) Hegemonic masculinity/patriarchy,
d) Militarism, and
e) Endemic conflict.
These traits, especially the sense of threat, have permeated every aspect of the Somali equation.
Because of this, the fundamental customs of Somali culture have been infused with a primitive
sense of survival and a siege mentality, with men taking on the role of guardians and providers.
As a result, a socialisation pattern has emerged that promotes and rewards the macho male
characteristics of aggression, boldness, daring, strength, and toughness. (Bronwyn., 2009)
This is especially true of the clan structure, which is an example of violent masculinity. The
social and political structures of nomadic culture, especially those characterised by segmentary
lineage organisations, are heavily influenced by military and security concerns. (ibid,) The idea