15060. SOMALIA: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the current political and economic conditions in Somalia and the major challenges the country faces as it tries to re-create a state. The analysis provides an overview of the recent historical and current political and economic conditions in Somalia; considers the underlying social-political-economic structure of the country and the presence (or absence of the prerequisites of statehood); summarizes the major threats and challenges faced by the newly-emerging Somali state; and considers the most appropriate structure of government for Somali survival. Contrary to the bias of international authorities, it is argued that Somalia should not attempt to forge a new state based on a single central authority. Rather, Somalia must rebuild its nation on a foundation of multiple centers of local control. 11 pages, 40 footnotes, 20 bibliographic references.