Assessing US Intervention in Somalia:

Abstract

The research examines the approaches and policies of both the G. H Bush and Bill Clinton administrations towards the mission in Somalia from 1992 to 1994. The purpose is to compare the US interventions in Somalia under the leadership of both administrations. The study also analyses the transition of their responsibilities to determine if both administrations had the same objectives as initially mentioned. According to G. H Bush’s administration, the key motive to intervene was to proclaim a humanitarian intervention to help the people of Somalia in their time of crisis and build a peaceful, self-sustaining, and democratic state. However, during Clinton’s presidency, the intervention escalated into a large peacekeeping mission and a multi-front armed war with local warlords and factional militias. This dissertation closes with the conclusion that the US intervention in Somalia was hindered by a lack of coherent strategic planning and continuity between the G. H Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. In other words, President G. H Bush’s intervention focused on humanitarian aid but lacked long-term strategic planning and clear objectives, while Bill Clinton’s administration, lacking a clear foreign policy, faced escalating violence and ultimately withdrew US troops. The failure in Somalia highlights the necessity for clear, achievable objectives, coherent strategic planning, and adaptable strategies in international interventions to avoid mission creep and ensure success.