Somaliland and the Competing Powers: In The Horn of Africa and Red Sea Regions

In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea have become critical arenas for global influence, regional rivalry, maritime security, and strategic competition. At the center of this complex environment stands Somaliland-a self-governing and strategically positioned state seeking international re-recognition while navigating the interests of major, emerging, and regional powers.

Somaliland and the Competing Powers in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea Regions offers a comprehensive examination of how global actors, including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Qatar, Japan, India, and others, shape the political, economic, and security realities of the region. The book also explores the foreign policies of neighboring Horn of Africa and Red Sea states, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Yemen.

Through detailed analysis, ABDISHAKUR Hassan-kayd examines Somaliland's role within regional competition, proxy wars, foreign military interests, port politics, maritime trade, and national security challenges. The book highlights Somaliland's strategic importance near the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb, one of the world's most vital shipping corridors, while also addressing the opportunities and risks created by external influence.

Inside this book, readers will discover:

• • The strategic importance of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions
  • How major and emerging powers compete for influence, access, and regional advantage
  • The impact of foreign policy, military presence, and port development on Somaliland
  • The history and consequences of proxy wars in the Horn of Africa
  • How Somaliland balances sovereignty, security, diplomacy, and economic opportunity
  • Policy recommendations for regional cooperation, stability, and long-term security

Scholarly, timely, and deeply relevant, this book is an essential resource for diplomats, policymakers, military professionals, researchers, students of international relations, and anyone interested in Somaliland's future within one of the world's most strategically important regions.

Somaliland and the Competing Powers in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea Regions is not only a study of geopolitical rivalry-it is a critical examination of how Somaliland can protect its national interests, strengthen its security, and pursue recognition in a world shaped by competing powers.