Abstract
This review provides a succinct summary and critical examination of Stig Jarle Hansen's work on Al-Shabaab. It points out the book's strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrates that Hansen not only offers useful insights into Al-Shabaab but also helps readers understand the security landscape in Somalia.
Highlights
Chapter six focuses on Al-Shabaab’s governance of its controlled territories
A strength of this book is that it provides a detailed account on Al-Shabaab
It draws on a thoughtful triangulation of primary data sources and secondary sources to provide a holistic analysis, which helps readers obtain a nuanced understanding of the origin, structures, activities and current status of Al-Shabaab
Summary
Chapter six focuses on Al-Shabaab’s governance of its controlled territories. Hansen notes that the group had regional administrative centres (Wilaayada) in the cities. A strength of this book is that it provides a detailed account on Al-Shabaab. It draws on a thoughtful triangulation of primary data sources (such as interviews) and secondary sources (including publications by Al-Shabaab and other relevant extant literature) to provide a holistic analysis, which helps readers obtain a nuanced understanding of the origin, structures, activities and current status of Al-Shabaab. Besides the in-depth information provided on the group, Hansen painstakingly chronicles the life stories of Al-Shabaab’s core leaders (such as Robow and Shongola) for readers to understand how one’s socio-economic circumstances could predispose them to criminality.
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