Geographical Positioning of Somalia and its National Security

Abstract

Somalia's unique geographical location in the Horn of Africa positions it at a strategic crossroads for international trade, maritime navigation, and geopolitical competition. With over 3,300 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait a key global energy chokepoint Somalia holds substantial strategic importance in global commerce and security. While this positioning offers considerable economic and diplomatic opportunities, it also exposes the country to complex national security threats, including piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, regional conflict spillovers, and external interference by global powers. This study investigates the impact of Somalia’s geographical location on its national security dynamics. Drawing on geopolitical and realism theories, the study combines theoretical insights with empirical findings from primary and secondary sources to assess the extent to which geography contributes to Somalia’s internal and external vulnerabilities. Key findings reveal that Somalia’s coastal exposure, porous land borders with conflict-prone neighbors, and fragmented governance structures heighten its susceptibility to cross-border threats and foreign strategic interests. Moreover, the competition among regional and international actors such as the United States, Turkey, China, and the UAE for influence within Somalia underscores the country’s role in broader geopolitical rivalries. The study concludes that geography is not a passive backdrop but a central factor influencing national security outcomes in Somalia. It recommends strengthened maritime governance, enhanced border surveillance, coordinated federal security architecture, and regionally-informed diplomacy to transform Somalia’s geographic liabilities into strategic assets for long-term peace and development.