Case Study
This review of key decisions regarding U.S. intervention in Somalia illustrates the interagency process in two different Administrations and during the critical transition period. It also demonstrates how the policies were shaped by non-Executive Branch and non-governmental actors.
Topic Objectives
- To evaluate U.S. policy decisions regarding Somalia at key points and to understand the factors influencing those decisions.
- To apply insights from the models of decision-making studied in Topic 4 to this case.
Questions for Consideration
- Why did President Bush approve the emergency food airlift in August 1992? Was this an ad hoc response or part of a broader strategy?
- What prompted the decision for an expanded U.S. role in November 1992? Could the President have refused to expand the U.S. commitment? What impact did the notion of "overwhelming force" have on the deployment plans? Why was the mission not given the task of disarming the various factions?
- Could the Clinton Administration have reversed the Bush policy on Somalia when it took office? Was the handoff to UNOSOM II as planned?
- Why did President Clinton decide in October 1993 to promise to withdraw all U.S. troops by March 31, 1994? What factors besides the situation in Somalia influenced his decision? What would have happened if he had decided to stay the course?
- In retrospect, did the interagency process generate reasonable options for the President, with adequate foresight and risk calculations? How should the process have been modified?
- If the news media got the United Stateas into Somalia and drove it out as well, how can the government better manage the impact of images that sway public opinion?
- Was Somalia a vital or important national interest? Did taking casualties change that?
Required Readings
* Ken Menkhaus with Louis Ortmayer, "Key Decisions in the Somalia Intervention."
* Mark Bowden, "Black Hawk Down," Atlantic Monthly Press, 1999, pp. 331-347. (Reprint)
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