Alternative View on Governance in Developing Countries: An Integrative Analysis of Governance for Sustainable Development in Somaliland

Governance is a crucial factor for achieving sustainable development, especially in less developed economies. While the state has traditionally been seen as the primary actor in the governance process, alternative forms of governance have emerged in less developed countries, where private actors and societal groups have taken on a more significant role. This thesis unpacks the concept of governance and its related definitions in the literature, while exploring the ways in which Somaliland has utilised governance to affect the development outcomes of its society. This thesis endeavours to understand the impact of governance on development outcomes by delving deeper into the various actors involved in governance and evaluating how their interactions, both formal and informal, influence governance outcomes for sustainable development. The analytical approach adopted in this study was guided by the concept of governance for sustainable development, which refers to sociopolitical governance processes specifically oriented towards attaining sustainable development objectives. To achieve this objective, Somaliland was used as a case study to examine the diverse actors involved in governance and their related interactions. The unique hybrid of traditional and modern governance structures in Somaliland provides a fascinating context for exploring the impact of governance on sustainable development outcomes. In this context, governance is defined as the entirety of interactions in which both public and private actors participate, with the goal of addressing societal challenges or creating opportunities. This definition reflects the flexible and adaptable nature of governance, which can take on various forms and involve different actors, depending on the specific context. Additionally, this thesis explores the concept of sustainable development and defines it as a process that involves meeting the current needs of society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The outcomes of this case study have the potential to inform policy and practice in other contexts that aim to promote sustainable development through effective governance. The study delves into the distinctive governance arrangements employed by the Somaliland government to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on building peace and stability and strengthening core institutions without relying on external donors or interventions. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the various actors, factors, influences and motivations that have facilitated and fostered social and economic development in Somaliland, to enable it to make greater progress towards sustainable development than its neighbouring country, Somalia. Through an in-depth exploration of the unique context of Somaliland, this study aimed to provide valuable insight into how effective governance can promote sustainable development outcomes and identify key success factors that can inform similar endeavours in other regions. The case study of Somaliland provides critical lessons for other postcolonial African states because it showcases how alternative forms of governance can be effective in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, the governance system of the Somaliland government, which has enabled the attainment of peace and stability and the establishment of functional institutions without external intervention, serves as a valuable example. By contributing to the literature on governance for sustainable development, this research can inform policymaking processes by providing empirical insights into the interactions of policy actors and identifying areas where the governance process can be made more effective for addressing political and sustainable development challenges in developing societies. Consequently, this study has the potential to enhance the knowledge base of policymakers, scholars and practitioners working to achieve Sustainable Development Goals in other regions of the world. Overall, the thesis contributes to the literature on governance for sustainable development and multilevel governance theory, while providing insight into the governance challenges facing Somaliland and how they can be addressed.