The report takes a systematic and detailed approach to the factors that earlier research (Ghai, Spiliopoulou Åkermark, Öst) has identified as the strengths of the Åland Example, from security arrangements to territorial delimitations. Through this mapping Blomberg identifies the problems of Muslim Mindanao. The biggest obstacles has to do with strong frictions between different central actors – physical violence is still present in form of armed groups and clan feuds at the same time as the security regime is flawed. The autonomy system today is weak and characterised by undemocratic structures and problematic relations between the autonomy and the central state. The ARMM as a territory is difficult to define and has additional sensitive conflicts over natural resources. In other words, the starting position is very different to that of Åland. Despite this, Blomberg argues that there are reasons to seek inspiration in the Åland Example and its innovative solutions to the issues of security, minority identity and power-sharing.
