by Jaye Green

Created on: June 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Somalia is not so much a failed state, but one which has dispensed with the frill of a central government.

In many parts of the world, the 'government' is merely the face of other interests. Whether an oligarchy which owns everything, including the politicians, whether a militia which keeps a figurehead in office, Somalia
no longer sees the need for this affectation.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afganistan, even Iraq, does not have a government which exercises power over the entire nation.

Having been without a government since 1991, Somalia not only continues to exist, but does seem to be doing so rather well.

First, it is not lawless. Xeer operates in most of the country. This is the ancient legal system which has existed since the 7th century. It is a kritarchy, that is a system of judges where one's natural rights are considered above all.

Second, Somalia has the lowest rate of AIDs in all of Africa.

Third, private schools abound, as there is no longer a central government to manage the schools.

American business interests abound in Somalia; a new soft drink factory was recently built, and the cheapest cellular service in the world exists.

Internet service increased about 45000% since introduction in 2000.

Hence, not having a central government does not mean that the country ceases to function. What it means is that governments have no legal contact, or only a very limited connection to the erstwhile 'government', but private interests can form whatever bargains they desire with the local leadership.

Without a government and the kinds of tax laws, employment laws, consumer laws, that such often impose on foreign companies, it is not surprising that there is a virtual scramble to open businesses in a place where these impediments do not exist.

Able to operate under the 'protection' of whatever local strongman exists, it is a Capitalists Heaven. Xeer law will intervene when there is a problem, and as it operates to gain consensus without violence, it is quite effective.

The potentiality of other parts of the world becoming governmentless can not be ignored, especially when many so-called leaders are in name only, and to do business is a matter of bribes to various entities.

How to deal with a nation which has no real government is the lesson of Somalia.

Non-governmental agencies, be they environmental, nutrition or health, can function as does private business, but the lack of a central government will prevent various treaties being formed as these require a government to government protocol.

Warlords in the various regions, whether the gangs of Haiti, the tribes of Afganistan, or the various militias of the Congo, can form their own local relationships with outside agencies. These agencies will, of course, hire protection for their employees, as well as living accomodations, and as seen with reference to Somalia, this is possible.

The implications of states like Somalia might be that their very existence creates others.

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