International Relations of Djibouti

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Many Americans have never heard of Djibouti, and many less are able to locate it on a map. While this small African country may have eluded the American population, it has not gone unnoticed to US policy makers. This country’s location, social situation and cultural dynamics, establish it as key terrain in the US’s long term strategic plan to eliminate terrorism. The purpose of this paper is to provide cultural information for the country of Djibouti, while examining how the country’s unique culture and social structure can influence the region. Furthermore, it aims to show how the US is attempting to exploit strong tribal ties, key location, and the declining social-economic conditions in this area to advance US operations and positively affect US interests in the region.

Djibouti is slightly smaller than Massachusetts, and is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. As of 2011, Djibouti has an estimated population of 757,074 ; Massachusetts has a population of roughly 6.6 million as of 2009 . The predominant ethnic group is Somali, as 60% of the population, followed by 35% Afar, and the remaining 5% various ethnic groups (including French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian) . More than 90% of the population is Muslim and near all are of the Sunni sect . In addition, the population of Djibouti remains very young. The average life span is only 54 years, and 40% of the population is under the age of 15 . These cultural components make Djibouti ideal for non-lethal targeting efforts of the US military.

Djibouti’s strategic placement allows it to capitalize on neighboring countries’ need of a port. However, its contiguous placement to poverty-stricken countries has also made it vulnerable to negative e...

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..., 2011, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/166928/Djibouti

Djibouti. (n.d.). CIA World Factbook. Retrieved March 12, 2011, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/dj.html

Djibouti. (n.d.). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved March 12, 2011, from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5482.htm

Hiel, B. (2009, November 22). Djibouti: U.S. outpost in fighting terrorism. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved March 12, 2011, from www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/nation-world/s_654457.html

Massachusetts. (n.d.). US Census Bureau. Retrieved March 13, 2011, from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25000.html

Suarez, R. (2009, April 10). Somali Pirates Thwart U.S. Captain's Escape Attempt. PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Retrieved March 12, 2011, from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/africa/jan-june09/pirates_04-10.html

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