ABSTRACT
The validity of the use of a Neorealist approach will be based on its ability to explain the relations of armed groups in Somalia in relation to hypotheses of how armed groups should act if the theory were to be true. There are several hypotheses that will be tested. These include: conflict between armed groups and other actors should be characterized as anarchic war, not law enforcement by a sovereign state. Armed groups should make or break alliances based on security interests over all other factors. When there are two or more actors present, both of which are upholding their security interests, the security dilemma should ensue, creating a spiral dynamic of conflict-preparedness and, eventually, a balance of power through internal power cultivation, alliance or war.
