Arms trafficking in Somalia is a complex problem with global implications. Extremist organizations, such as Al-Shabaab, appear to be the main beneficiaries of the unlimited flow of weapons and use them to achieve their goals. Furthermore, the availability of weapons, particularly small arms, undermines regional stability and undermines U.S. strategy. The purpose of this article is to address the importance of Somalia's arms trafficking network by examining the culture in which it thrives, Al-Shabaab's motivations for obtaining them, the sources of illegal weapons, and the point from the perspective of the United States. II. CultureBased on indicators and risk analysis, Somalia has ranked first in the Failed States Index since 2008 (FFP, 2013). Several factors contribute to Somalia's instability. The first of these factors is the government. Since 1991, Somalia has lacked an effective central government and no known national system of law or conflict resolution. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) represents the seventeenth attempt to establish a formal state in Somalia since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 (TCC, 2011). The second factor is unique geography that creates gaps in border security. Somalia covers 246,200 square miles and borders three countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. Somalia also has an extensive coastline stretching approximately 1,900 miles (TCC, 2011). The third factor is food and water security. Somalia has been facing a humanitarian crisis for several decades. Somalia's famine is nationwide and droughts are straining the country's water reserves. Estimates from 2010 indicate that the entire country was at least in a situation of moderate food concern, and more than half was in a situation of... middle of paper ...... Security Council) (2008 ). Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1811 (2008) concerning Somalia and Eritrea. S/2008/769 of December 10, 2008. UNSC (United Nations Security Council) (2011). Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea. S/2011/433 of July 18, 2011. UNSC (United Nations Security Council) (2013). Report of the Monitoring Group on Somalia pursuant to Security Council resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea. S/2013/413 of July 12, 2013. United States Department of State (USDoS, 2014) The United States Department of State continues to warn American citizens to avoid travel to Somalia. (February 7, 2014). Accessed March 29, 2014, from http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/somalia-travel-warning.html