An exploration of the Somali crisis, which reveals the political cultures of Somalia and Somaliland in the process, and the underlying complexities that can result in the collapse or sustained development of a society. Dr Adam explores how the indigenous political structures of Somalia and Somaliland foster local initiatives in peace building and democratic governance, whilst examining the inner workings of the Siyad dictatorship and its militarism, and the civil wars of Somali past.