A Century of East African Integration

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of regional integration in East Africa in the last century, focusing on the East African Community and the cyclicality of integration dynamics. It explores the interconnection and competition between regional organizations and the specificity of overlapping membership in African states. It offers a deeper understanding of the processes of regional integration in East Africa that had been missed before, reflecting the general integration dynamics on the African continent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 263 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into a thorough examination of regional integration in East Africa over the past century, capturing the broader trends of integration processes within the East Africa sub-region while specifically focusing on the East African Community. A significant emphasis is placed on analyzing the cyclical nature of integration dynamics, as well as examining the intricate interplay and competition between various regional organizations in East Africa. Within this framework, the book explores the unique challenges posed by the overlapping membership of African states in regional organizations with similar roles but conflicting treaties and mandates. This situation, to a certain extent, impacts the relationships between states in the region with external actors, particularly in terms of trade negotiations with the European Union, which the book comprehensively analyzes. Consequently, this book provides a deeper understanding of the complex processes of regional integration in East Africa that had previously gone unnoticed, shedding light on the broader integration dynamics prevailing across the African continent.

Introduction:
The study of regional integration in East Africa has gained increasing importance in recent years, as the region continues to navigate a complex and rapidly evolving political, economic, and social landscape. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of regional integration in East Africa in the last century, reflecting the general trends of integration processes in the East Africa sub-region with a focus on the East African Community.
Cyclicality of Integration Dynamics:
One of the key themes that emerge from the book is the cyclicality of integration dynamics in East Africa. Integration processes in the region have experienced periods of acceleration and deceleration, driven by a range of internal and external factors. The book explores the factors that contribute to these cycles, including political instability, economic crises, and the influence of external actors such as the United States, the European Union, and China.
Interconnection and Competition between Regional Organizations:
Another important aspect of the book is the analysis of the interconnection and competition between different regional organizations in East Africa. The region is home to a number of regional bodies, including the East African Community, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These organizations have different mandates, goals, and membership structures, which can lead to tensions and conflicts. The book examines the dynamics of cooperation and competition between these organizations, as well as their impact on regional integration.
Overlapping Membership of African States in Regional Organizations:
The book also explores the specificity of the so-called overlapping membership of African states in regional organizations with similar roles but conflicting treaties and mandates. This situation can create challenges for states in the region, as they may be required to comply with multiple sets of rules and regulations. The book examines the implications of this overlapping membership for regional integration, as well as the strategies that states can adopt to navigate these challenges.
The Impact of External Actors on Regional Integration:
Finally, the book examines the impact of external actors on regional integration in East Africa. The region is heavily influenced by global economic trends, trade agreements, and geopolitical tensions. The book explores the ways in which external actors such as the United States, the European Union, and China have influenced regional integration, both positively and negatively.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of regional integration in East Africa. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the processes of regional integration in the region, highlighting the cyclicality of integration dynamics, the interconnection and competition between regional organizations, and the challenges posed by overlapping membership of African states in regional organizations. The book also explores the impact of external actors on regional integration, providing insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of the region's relationships with the rest of the world.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030967079
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022