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The Kiss Of Death: A Sowellian Analysis Of International Recognition And The Somaliland Paradigm, Donato J. Latrofa

Donato J Latrofa

The concept of “statehood” and “recognition” governs debate about the future of Africa, and in particular, what should be done with Somalia/Somaliland. The question lately has been whether or not newly-formed/seceded nations should be “recognized” (as if recognition by the rest of the organized world equates to legitimacy or functionality). Many scholars believe that Somaliland should be “recognized” because it has shown itself to be a bastion of calm in the Horn of Africa. However, these scholars overlook that such a decision may not be costless to Somalilanders and their government. The first part of this article gives a background …