| dc.description.abstract | The research and preparation of this thesis was prompted by the popularity of the concept of regional integration despite evidence of failure to witness any positive successes in the integration initiatives in Africa. The thesis examines the dynamics of regional integration in Sub-Saharan Africa. It focuses on the defunct East African Community as a historical experience in sub-regional integration during the ten years, 1967 to 1977 of its existence.
The study shows that socio-economic and political forces interact
"simultaneously, either collectively or singularly to influence international relations hence integration process. The economic factors namely transactions related to trade investments, labour issues, etc, and political factors such as geopolitics, ideological rivalries, security and general state interest are at the heart of the study. The major research question is: what is the significance of these factors in the regional integration process. Specifically, therefore, the study seeks to analyze and explain the significance of these factors in a cooperation scheme.
We have further established that integration process proceeded rather
smoothly during the colonial era because of the absence of conflicts in terms of national interests related to economic and political rivalries. After the three states became independent and each claimed her sovereignty, national interest factor emerged to become a major force that influenced both integration and disintegration processes. The issue of equitable distribution of costs and benefits was closely associated with national interests.
The study demonstrates how these forces reacted to influence integration and disintegration of the East African Community. Such forces have been explored from theoretical, ideological, economic and policy perspectives. | en |
