Shifting the Battleground: The Transformation of Al-Shabab and the Growing Influence of Al-Qaeda in East Africa and the Horn

Abstract

The article sheds light on a two-dimensional explanation of the transformation of Al-Shabab from a Somalian nationalist organization to a global terrorist group. Following James Piazza's insights, these dimensions are characterized as ‘universal/abstract’ versus ‘strategic’ discourse to explain this phenomenon. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a discourse points to a narrative of ‘particularistic’ and ‘symbolic’. The key argument is that Al-Shabab transformed from a ‘particularistic’ (Somali nationalist) and ‘strategic’ (violence as a means to an end) group into a ‘universal’ group that used ‘symbolic’ violence (as an end in-and-of-itself) because of its interaction and collaboration with Al-Qaeda that espouses a ‘universal/abstract’ ideology and uses ‘symbolic’ violence. The article further argues that Al-Shabab's Somali nationalism fits within Al-Qaeda's ideology of restoring Islamic power globally, and as such a proverbial rolling back foreign influence constructed as Western generally and USA in particular. Although the aims of the Westgate attack were decidedly local—to drive out forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia—the article submits that the attack nevertheless points to Al-Shabab's growing capability to shift the battlegrounds and strike at enemy targets outside Somalia. This may also indicate Al-Shabab's evolution as a transnational terrorist group with deepening ties to Al-Qaeda and its global jihadist movement.