Defining National Interest

National interest is the guiding principle of a state’s foreign policy, encompassing its core objectives—security, economic stability, sovereignty, and ideological values. These interests shape diplomatic, economic, and military actions, and are central to the realist perspective in international relations.

Security: Protecting territorial integrity and citizens from external threats.

Economic Stability: Ensuring access to resources, safeguarding trade routes, and maintaining a robust domestic economy.

Sovereignty: Preserving the state’s autonomy and legal framework against external interference.

Values/Ideology: Promoting national values or political systems internationally, though this is typically secondary to security.

Categories of National Interest

National interests are prioritized as follows:

Vital Interests: Issues warranting military action, such as defense against invasion.

Major Interests: Significant concerns not justifying war, like protecting key trade partnerships.

Peripheral Interests: Matters with limited impact, such as cultural exchanges or minor treaties.

Dynamics of National Interest

National interest is dynamic and subjective, evolving with changes in leadership, technological advancements, and shifts in the global environment. For example, new technologies like cyber warfare redefine security, while geopolitical shifts—such as the end of the Cold War—prompt reassessment of priorities.

Somaliland’s Unique Context

Somaliland’s national interest is shaped by its pursuit of international recognition and the establishment of a functional, democratic state in a volatile region. In 2026, its strategy is pragmatic and commercial, leveraging geographic advantages to secure legitimacy.

Existential Interest: Sovereign Recognition

The foremost goal is achieving de jure independence. All policies, economic or military, serve this objective. The December 2025 recognition by the State of Israel marked a pivotal moment, providing the Republic of Somaliland its first endorsement from a UN-member state. The current approach, “Recognition for Access,” involves offering strategic assets—such as military bases and mineral rights—to major powers in exchange for diplomatic ties.

Economic Interests: Berbera Hub and Resources

Somaliland aims to diversify its economy beyond livestock, positioning itself as a maritime gateway. The Berbera Corridor, supported by DP World (UAE), is central to this strategy, serving Ethiopia and generating revenue. Additionally, Somaliland markets its mineral deposits (lithium, coltan) as exclusive opportunities for Western partners, supporting global supply chains for green energy and technology.

Security Interests: Regional Stability and Maritime Safety

The Republic of Somaliland presents itself as a stable actor in the Horn of Africa. Key security interests include:

Counter-Terrorism: Preventing infiltration by groups like al-Shabab, especially after recent conflicts in the Sool region.

Maritime Security: Collaborating with the UAE and Israel to secure the Bab El-Mandeb Strait against piracy and missile threats.

Defense Modernization: Rebuilding and professionalizing armed forces following territorial losses.

Diplomatic Interests: Democratic Identity

Somaliland leverages its democratic governance as a “soft power” asset, differentiating itself from Mogadishu through peaceful transfers of power and a hybrid legal system. Strategic alliances within the Abraham Accords framework (UAE, Israel, U.S.) counter Turkish and Iranian influence.

Somaliland’s strategy involves calculated risks:

Recognition: Pursuing ties with Israel and the U.S. risks backlash from the Arab League and increased hostility from Houthi forces.

Sea Access: Leasing naval sites to Ethiopia and Israel may strain relations with Somalia and provoke regional conflicts.

Economic Growth: Granting foreign mining concessions could lead to over-reliance on external entities and environmental concerns.

Protecting National Interest

Somaliland’s “Recognition-First” strategy is a balancing act, selling its geography and stability to secure legitimacy and survival. Protection involves institutionalizing functional independence, making Somaliland indispensable to regional and global stakeholders.

Breaking diplomatic isolation is crucial. Israel’s recognition enables the Republic of Somaliland to host formal missions, creating a deterrent effect. The Taiwan-Israel model allows Somaliland to bypass restrictive African Union policies. Active lobbying for U.S. defense authorization strengthens security guarantees.

Somaliland protects its coastline and borders through partnerships with Israel, UAE, and India, hosting surveillance facilities to secure maritime routes. Post-conflict, the military is professionalized to prevent further fragmentation without provoking large-scale conflict.

Joint security mechanisms with Ethiopia safeguard the Berbera Corridor, linking Ethiopia’s survival to Somaliland’s stability. Exclusive mineral rights to Western and Israeli firms ensure major powers have vested interests in Somaliland’s protection.

Governance as Defense

The Republic of Somaliland demonstrates “functional sovereignty” through meritocratic reforms and professionalization of civil services. Transparent elections reinforce democratic credibility, countering perceptions of being a breakaway region.

Summary of Strategic Assets

Somaliland’s protective measures are tailored to specific threats:

Mogadishu’s Claims: Formal recognition and embassies, supported by Israel and Taiwan.

Maritime Threats: Surveillance and naval access, with Israel, UAE, and India as key allies.

Economic Isolation: Berbera Port and mineral rights, with Ethiopia and DP World.

Internal Instability: Civil service professionalization, supported by international NGOs and the U.S.

Somaliland’s 2026 strategic playbook centers on achieving sovereign recognition as its vital national interest by leveraging security, economic, and diplomatic assets including the Berbera Corridor, mineral resources, and alliances with Israel, UAE, and Ethiopia, while managing trade-offs related to regional tensions and economic dependencies to institutionalize functional sovereignty and regional indispensability.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)