Jesse Walker, managing editor of Reason magazine, discusses the history of US interference in Somalia since the Cold War (with his 2009 article as background); why US interest has less to do with oil than with keeping the military busy; how the successes and failures of minimally-governed Somalia fueled debate on the viability of libertarianism; and the post-9/11 US backing of proxy Ethiopian forces to upend the relatively stable Islamic Courts Union government (with predictably disastrous...

Jesse Walker, managing editor of Reason magazine, discusses the lack of compelling evidence so far against the Hutaree militia members, the distinction between tough talk and actual criminal conspiracy, how most militias are formed for defensive action against government abuses and why unique personal grievances tend to make anti-government violence the domain of individuals acting alone.

Jesse Walker, managing editor of Reason magazine, discusses the problem of Somalia-based piracy, the impracticality of a military defense against quick-attack pirates along a 2000 mile coastline, the disastrous history of international aid endeavors in Somalia and how market forces may prompt shippers to use alternate routes or private armed security.