The crisis of state-building and governance in Arab countries: Djibouti as a case study

Volume 17, Issue: 1 part 2
Spring 2026
Pages 797-812

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Tikrit University / College of Political Science / Political Systems Department

Abstract
This study aims to analyze the crisis of state-building and governance in Djibouti by examining a range of internal and external factors that have impacted the state's ability to achieve political and institutional stability. The study begins by identifying the social, cultural, religious, and economic characteristics that shaped the general environment for the state's development. It highlights how tribal and ethnic diversity has influenced the structure of power and the distribution of resources. The study also reviews political and constitutional crises, focusing on the tribal monopoly of power as a major structural weakness, in addition to the political uncertainty resulting from the absence of transparent mechanisms for the transfer of power.
The study sheds light on economic crises, including drought, low productivity, the accumulation of external debt, and the militarization of development policies that have placed the national economy under the influence of the international military presence. It also addresses social and cultural crises, centered on identity conflicts and disparities between population groups, and the resulting erosion of national cohesion.
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Subjects
  • Receive Date 11 December 2025
  • Revise Date 01 January 2026
  • Accept Date 02 January 2026