Publication

This note critically assesses the two state-building and aid-giving models that have been followed in Somalia – the ‘Marshall Plan’ and ‘Social Contract’ models. It then argues that a third, transitional option should now be pursued – i.e., one that focuses on supporting municipalities, which represent the most practical, legitimate, and effective sources of governance and services in Somalia. However, pursuing this option doesn’t mean that state-building at the national level should cease. It just needs to be done more slowly.