Offering an introduction to clanism and tribalism in the Gulf of Aden area, Dr Lewis uses these concepts to analyse security in Yemen, Somalia, Somaliland and the broader region. This historical overview of conflict in each country, and the resulting threats of piracy and terrorism, will benefit both the casual reader and student of development.

1. Introduction 2. Clans, Tribes and Social Hierarchies in the Broader Gulf of Aden Region 3. Somali Boundaries and the Question of Statehood: The Case of Somaliland in Somalia 4. Divide and Rule: Understanding Insecurity in Yemen 5. Transnational Security: Piracy, Terrorism and the Fragility Contagion 6. Conclusion

''Alexandra Lewis provides a detailed yet succinct examination of the foundations of state and non-state governance structures across Yemen and the various parts of Somalia. The treatment of tribal dynamics and their relation to formal states is particularly insightful and will prove useful to those pursuing peace, economic growth and stable governance in southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa. I commend this book to scholars as well as practitioners in the international community and the military.'' - Steven A. Zyck, Research Fellow, Humanitarian Policy Group at Overseas Development Institute