What is the Somalia Syndrome?

Answer 1

The Somalia Syndrome refers to a reluctance or hesitance among Western nations, particularly the United States, to intervene in humanitarian crises or conflicts due to the negative experience of the U.S. military intervention in Somalia in the early 1990s. The aftermath of this intervention, which culminated in the Battle of Mogadishu and significant casualties, led to a perception that such interventions could be costly and yield little positive outcome. As a result, policymakers may be more cautious in committing military resources to similar situations, fearing political backlash and long-term repercussions.