The Geopolitics of the Horn of Africa in the Cold War

Cold War Geopolitics in the Horn of Africa: Somalia's Shifting Allegiances

The Horn of Africa, a rugged peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean, became a pivotal chessboard during the Cold War. Its strategic location, bordering vital shipping lanes and nestled between burgeoning post-colonial nations, made it a magnet for the geopolitical ambitions of the Soviet Union and the United States. This era, from the mid-20th century … Read more

Siad Barre’s Rule and Downfall

Siad Barre's Rule and Downfall: Somalia's Tumultuous 21-Year Reign

The air in Mogadishu in October 1969 crackled with anticipation. Somalia, a fledgling nation just nine years free from colonial rule, stood on the precipice of change. Barre, a charismatic military officer, would soon seize power, ushering in an era that would dramatically reshape the Horn of Africa. Born into the relative obscurity of the … Read more