Somaliland: Geography as Strategy
Israel's recognition of Somaliland reflects a broader pattern: states hedging against uncertainty by securing geography and access near critical maritime chokepoints.
Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, the first UN member to do so. While politically controversial, the geographic logic behind the move is clear.
Strategic Geography
Somaliland occupies a narrow but decisive stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Aden, overlooking the approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strait forms the southern gate of the Red Sea, through which a significant share of global maritime trade passes en route to the Mediterranean and Europe.
A Contested Corridor
In recent years, this corridor has become increasingly contested. Attacks on shipping, regional instability in Yemen, and the erosion of effective maritime security guarantees have exposed the vulnerability of what was once assumed to be a stable global commons.
De Facto Independence
Somaliland is geographically distinct from southern Somalia. Since 1991 it has operated as a de facto state, maintaining its own government, currency, and security forces, while remaining diplomatically isolated. Its relative stability, combined with its position near critical sea lanes, has made it an object of quiet strategic interest for regional and external powers alike.
Israel's Calculus
For Israel, recognition of Somaliland represents a peripheral alignment rather than a conventional alliance. It offers proximity to a vital maritime chokepoint without reliance on fragile international mechanisms or overstretched global institutions. It also reflects a broader pattern: states hedging against uncertainty by securing geography, access, and relationships beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.
Assessment
As the global order fragments and the authority of multilateral institutions weakens, geography is once again asserting itself. Somaliland's value is not ideological, nor symbolic. It is positional.
**In an increasingly multipolar world, such positions matter.**
Somaliland: Geography as Strategy
Israel's recognition of Somaliland reflects a broader pattern: states hedging against uncertainty by securing geography and access near critical maritime chokepoints.
Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, the first UN member to do so. While politically controversial, the geographic logic behind the move is clear.
Strategic Geography
Somaliland occupies a narrow but decisive stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Aden, overlooking the approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strait forms the southern gate of the Red Sea, through which a significant share of global maritime trade passes en route to the Mediterranean and Europe.
A Contested Corridor
In recent years, this corridor has become increasingly contested. Attacks on shipping, regional instability in Yemen, and the erosion of effective maritime security guarantees have exposed the vulnerability of what was once assumed to be a stable global commons.
De Facto Independence
Somaliland is geographically distinct from southern Somalia. Since 1991 it has operated as a de facto state, maintaining its own government, currency, and security forces, while remaining diplomatically isolated. Its relative stability, combined with its position near critical sea lanes, has made it an object of quiet strategic interest for regional and external powers alike.
Israel's Calculus
For Israel, recognition of Somaliland represents a peripheral alignment rather than a conventional alliance. It offers proximity to a vital maritime chokepoint without reliance on fragile international mechanisms or overstretched global institutions. It also reflects a broader pattern: states hedging against uncertainty by securing geography, access, and relationships beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.
Assessment
As the global order fragments and the authority of multilateral institutions weakens, geography is once again asserting itself. Somaliland's value is not ideological, nor symbolic. It is positional.
**In an increasingly multipolar world, such positions matter.**