New regionalism and regional reconstruction: the case of the East African Community

In: Politeia: South African journal for political science and public administration, Volume 24, Issue 1, p. 28-48

Abstract

This article examines the reconstruction of the East African Community (EAC) into a functioning regional organisation. Focusing on new regionalism as the theoretical point of departure, it explores the extent to which East Africa has been transformed into a functioning regional entity with juridical powers. Using the official EAC documents in particular, the econo-political institutional structures and functions of the EAC ara analysed. The neo-statist, neo-functional and functional characteristics of the treaty are identified and critically examined. The potential difficulties inherent in such structures that have undermined and may continue to hamper progress towards the operationalisation and implementation of the EAC objectives are addressed. Specific areas relating to econo-political processes of integration that have been accomplished by the EAC since the treaty came into force in 2000 are also identified and analysed. (...) (Politeia/DÜI)