The Challenges of Cooperation in Foreign Policy Coordination. A Case Study of East African Community Integration
Abstract
The East Africa Community (EAC) is one of the Regional Economic Communities
(RECs) in Africa, with integration in the region dating back to pre-colonial times.
However, the integration process has achieved less than desired as witnessed with the
collapse of the previous EAC in 1977. This study critically states the problem of EAC
strength on paper and weak in action which distances the aspiration from reality. The
objective of the study is to determine challenges of cooperation in foreign policy
coordination in EAC integration. The study used conceptual framework which comprise
of both independent and dependent variables. Independent variables include lack of
political will, self-interest and non-implementation of protocols and agreements.
Dependent variable cooperation in foreign policy coordination. The study found out that
the impact of non implementation of protocols and agreement, lack of political goodwill
and self interest is tremendous and has a great influence on the challenges of cooperation
in foreign policy coordination, it explains why despite the efforts made by the EAC. In
regards to the study it is recommended for EAC to fully integrate there must be
systematic executions of the stages of integration from PTA, FTA, Custom Union,
Common market, Monetary union, Fiscal Union and political Union. To implement
protocols and treaties EAC will have to reform the operational method of its organs and
institutions, further to that EAC must also set aside individual interest of the running
governments and allow more participation from the non state actors and the private sector
with more public awareness to sensitize the public on the EAC agenda.
Publisher
University of Nairobi