Economist Podcasts Unsteady state: Somalia in disarray
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Aug 6, 2025 
Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Somalia's challenging political landscape and the regression from recent progress against jihadists. Meanwhile, Tom Sasse, public policy editor, discusses the evolving crime dynamics in Britain, noting overall declines in crime but rising visible offenses. The conversation highlights the complexities law enforcement faces amid modern challenges, including technology-driven criminality, reflecting a significant shift in policing strategies.
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Somalia's State Fragility Worsens
- Somalia's state-building progress has reversed due to constitutional changes concentrating power and damaging federal relations.
- This internal conflict distracts from security efforts, weakening the fight against jihadist groups like al-Shabaab.
Puntland's Security Success
- Puntland forces backed by US and UAE airstrikes have nearly eradicated Islamic State in their region.
- Local security success provides hope that state-building in Somalia is not entirely futile.
Support Successful Somali Regions
- International donors should focus aid on successful semi-autonomous regions like Puntland and Somaliland.
- Redirecting support to effective statelets may prevent further fragmentation of Somalia.