Primordialism: Ethnicity and Clan-based Identity

Primordialism is a theory that focuses on the deep-rooted emotional ties people have towards their ethnic
or cultural group (based on cultural, linguistic, or historical ties exists among people). In the context of
Somalia, this theory highlights the strong bonds that Somalis share, regardless of their clan affiliations.
These bonds are what make Somalis feel connected to one another and give them a sense of belonging to a
larger Somali ethnic group. While all Somalis may feel connected to one another, their loyalty to their
specific clans can sometimes overpower their nationalistic feelings
During the pre-colonial era, Somalis lived in a segmented society, with various clans coexisting. However,
they all shared a common Somali identity. This strong bond led to the idea of uniting as a nation under one
centralized government. The feeling of belonging to a greater Somali ethnicity fueled the desire to create a
unified Somali state. This idea became stronger during the colonial period when Somalis faced foreign rule,
pushing them to unite against the colonizers and achieve independence.
After gaining independence, the centralized Somali government struggled to maintain unity due to the
strong influence of clan politics. The power struggles between clans and the lack of a shared vision for the
nation led to the decline of Somali nationalism. Furthermore, the primordialist theory fails to recognize that
a common identity may not always result in the desire for a centralized political authority. The Somali
people's precolonial past, where they lived in a segmented society, may have made them more resistant to
the idea of a centralized government.

Constructivism: The Creation of a Somali Identity

According to the constructivist theory, governments in Somalia have played a big part in creating the idea
of a single, united Somali identity. They did this by promoting a "myth" of a unified Somalia, which was
meant to bring together different clans and sub-clans under one nation. This idea was especially popular
during the 1950s and 1960s when Somali nationalism was at its peak.
While the constructivist theory recognizes the importance of this "myth" in shaping Somali nationalism, it
also points out that the theory doesn't fully take into account the strong clan and sub-clan ties that exist in
Somali society. These ties are an essential part of people's identities, and they can sometimes be more
important than the idea of a united Somali nation.
Unfortunately, the sense of unity and national pride didn't last long. As time went on, clan and sub-clan
ties became more important than the idea of a united Somali nation. This led to conflicts and eventually
the collapse of the Somali state. The constructivist theory suggests that the decline of Somali nationalism
can be traced back to the failure of both democratic and authoritarian governments to maintain the "myth"
of a unified Somalia and to address the real issues that divided the people.

Instrumentalism: Elites and the Pursuit of Power

This theory offers insight into how Somali nationalism was influenced by elite interests and how these
interests contributed to the nation's eventual fragmentation.
Somali nationalism began to take shape in the 1950s and 1960s as the country was preparing for
independence from colonial rule. During this time, the Somali elites saw an opportunity to unite the
various Somali clans under a single national identity, known as pan-Somali nationalism. This identity
aimed to bring together people who shared a common language, culture, and history, regardless of their
clan affiliations. The elites believed that this shared identity would help them achieve their political goals
and secure their own positions of power.
However, the instrumentalist theory suggests that the Somali elites prioritized their own interests over the
well-being of the nation. Instead of genuinely working to strengthen pan-Somali nationalism, they
focused on consolidating power and ensuring their own political survival. This self-serving approach
ultimately weakened the foundations of Somali nationalism, as the elites failed to address underlying
issues like clan-based differences that had the potential to divide the nation.
The instrumentalist perspective emphasizes the role of the elites and their failure to create a strong and
lasting national identity. As the elite's grip on power began to falter, clan-based loyalties resurfaced,
leading to conflict and fragmentation. The destructive tendencies of authoritarianism and civil conflict
further eroded the sense of national unity, making it difficult for the people to rally behind a shared
national identity.
The critical turning points in the adherence of the diverse elites to an elite-based nationalist compact were
essential in understanding the decline of Somali nationalism. When the elites could no longer maintain
their power or agree on a shared vision for the nation, the idea of pan-Somali nationalism began to
crumble. This decline was exacerbated by the fact that the Somali people had grown disillusioned with
the elites, who had failed to deliver on their promises of a unified and prosperous nation.