REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN A GLOBALIZING WORLD; CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY (EAC)

Abstract

This work looks at regional integration in a globalizing world, the challenges and prospects of the East African Community. The objectives of this research project is to analyze the historical evolvement of the EAC since 1967 and establish the factors that contributed to its collapse; to examine the key drivers of the second EAC in the 21st Century; to establish and assess the strategies employed by the second EAC in responding to globalization; and to assess the prospects and challenges of EAC regional integration project in the 21st Century. The analysis of this research project begins with an understanding of the growth of the first EAC. It explores the process of its formation, progress and the eventual collapse of the community. It demonstrates that during the colonial era, integration was in place, however after independence, several factors led to its collapse. This research project further looks at the formation of the second EAC in 1999 in the face of globalization. The research argues that, despite the challenges that the current EAC has faced as a result of globalization, it has been able to manage them so far. Furthermore, this work recommends constructive actions that should be taken to ensure that the current EAC continues to benefit from globalization. The EAC needs to embrace globalization in the full awareness of the opportunities and challenges involved thus by operating within the framework of a strong regional economic grouping to be able to handle the powerful forces of globalization. To make regional integration of the EAC countries an effective vehicle for beneficial integration within the world economy, the EAC countries must sacrifice their national interests as integration may not be beneficial if there will be strong forces intended to maintain a country’s autonomy. The region will also avoid disintegration by formulating appropriate mechanisms to compensate losing members, as well as formulate measures to address differences in structures of economies, diversity of member countries and unfair trade practices.