Hybrid governance in Puntland - understanding the relationship between modern and traditional governance

Sammanfattning: Abstract In an era of globalization and “modernization”, there has been ample focus on developing and post-colonial countries in emerging into what is known as modern nation-states. Amid the high agenda of international organizations in promoting “good governance”, democratic principles and forming state-building models, there has been certain pressure on post-colonial countries, often including post-conflict countries, to conform to the current standard of statehood and governance. While much of the current academic literature regarding this phenomena emphasizes the challenges and opportunities in the process of transitioning toward democracy and establishing peaceful and stable modern states. This thesis on the other hand, tries to highlight and understand the interactions between “traditional” and “modern” forms of governance that simultaneously co-exist, such as in the autonomous state of Puntland, Somalia, where this case-study takes root. Furthermore, it serves to explore the hybrid governance by analyzing the various institutions, authorities and structures that interact in a stateless and post-colonial environment. This research is based on a case-study method in understanding the dynamic social and political structures of the much complex governance system in Puntland and gaining insight in the specific context. Based on the theoretical framework of governance and post-colonial theory with a critical approach toward modernization theory and state-hood concepts, I attempt to analyze the relation between the contrasting systems of governance and explore whether they can become harmonized.