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- Convenor:
-
Sebastian Elischer
(University of Florida)
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- Location:
- C4.08
- Start time:
- 27 June, 2013 at
Time zone: Europe/Lisbon
- Session slots:
- 1
Short Abstract:
The panel investigates the level and the scope of regional cooperation and integration in sub-Saharan Africa. It is particularly interested in explaining why some regional groupings have become more integrated than others.
Long Abstract:
The study of regional cooperation and integration among nation states in the non-Western world has received a surge of interest in recent years. There are currently 16 regional organizations in sub-Saharan Africa; seven of these received official recognition by the African Union. A closer investigations of these organizations revels that the level of integration differs significantly across the continent. While some organizations limit their integration efforts to specific policy areas, others pursue a higher scope of integration.
This panels invites papers on regional integration schemes across the African continent. The panel is not confined to any policy field but seeks contributions covering different policy spheres. The panel is also open to papers on regional cooperation at the transnational level, i.e. between societies rather than states.
Potential research question can include (but are not limited to) the following topics: What are the main obstacles to regional integration attempts? What are the roles of external powers such as the United States, China and the EU on regional integration in Africa? Do regional powers such as Nigeria or South Africa facilitate or avoid regional integration? Are democratic regions better integrated than regions whose member states are largely autocratic? Is successful economic integration a precondition for integration in other policy areas? What is the role of African civil society in driving the regional integration agenda? How do African regions interact with regions elsewhere? Preferences will be given to empirical papers and to papers pursuing a comparative approach.
Accepted papers:
Session 1Kai Striebinger (Freie Universität Berlin)
Paper short abstract:
Implementation of advanced regional norms of democratic governance remains utterly incomplete. I argue that multiple memberships in different regional organizations and differing interests of (international) hegemons prohibit a coherent implementation of these norms.
Paper long abstract:
Sub-Saharan regional organizations are the most advanced regional organizations worldwide with regard to integration in the politico-security sphere. The regional legal prescriptions range from a prohibition to access or to prolong power with unconstitutional means to sanctions including military interventions in cases of non-respect of these norms. This paper analyzes not the establishment of these norms, but addresses their incomplete implementation in member states. In fact, although almost all regional organizations act in cases of violations of their principles, however, the results of these interventions are mixed. While in some cases the norms are protected, in others the regional organizations make themselves accomplice to the norm violators. What explains this incomplete implementation of the regional and continental norms of democratic governance?
Contrary to expectations from compliance literature, precise prescriptions and harsh sanctions do not automatically lead to coherent implementation. Also, explanations pointing to domestic factors or the role by individual member states can only partly explain the finding.
Comparing implementation in different West African states, I argue that this is due to the distinct configuration of regional integration schemes and to the role of former colonial powers and hegemons in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, many states are members in 'regional' organizations on different levels. Only when interests and policies, for example, between the regional, and the continental level as well as the colonial powers and hegemons are in alignment - or at least in no contradiction - implementation of regional policies can be expected.
Mohamed Kamara (Leeds Metropolitan University)
Paper short abstract:
The colonial era left a legacy of African dependence. The success of independence in the 1960s gave the African leaders the impetus to work towards self-reliance and poverty reduction through economic development. Trade promotion through regional economic cooperation has been the chosen strategy.
Paper long abstract:
After independence, African leaders embarked on the objectives of unity, self-reliance, economic development and poverty reduction. The transformation of the Organisation of African Unity to the African Union in 2000 demonstrates Africa's determination to integrate their economies with a single currency in mind by 2021. Since then a number of overlapping regional economic communities have been established.
In West Africa, fifteen countries planned to form a single currency by 2020. Eight of these (French speaking) already have a single currency, the CFA, linked to the Euro. The other countries (English speaking) are expected to form a single currency by 2015. The two currencies will merge into one by 2020. However, the planned original date of 2005 for this currency was postponed and again in 2009 due to the failure of the countries meeting the convergence conditions.
The economists' argument for a single currency is the increase in trade and investment within members. On the other hand member states will lose the independence of their central bank. In a single currency zone only one central bank oversees the problems of all members which creates the 'one size fits all problem'.
The objectives of this research are to evaluate whether fluctuation in currencies affect trade within West Africa and to what extent these countries meet the conditions for single currency. The study will focus on a comparison of the Francophone (monetary union) and Anglophone (non-monetary union).
Keywords: African integration, single currency, trade
Kocra Lossina Assoua (Institut of African Studies)
Paper short abstract:
This paper compares the regional renewable energy policy pursued by both ECOWAS/UEMOA and SADC by pointing out the similarities and differences of their respective policy. It also highlights their respective successes and challenges and presents lessons both organizations can learn from each other.
Paper long abstract:
The need to ensure energy security, particularly reliable, widespread and affordable power supplies, has become a major policy priority for African governments. With concerns about climate change and increasing deforestation, there is an urgent need to diversify Africa's energy sources away from the current high dependence on coal, hydro and non-hydro renewable sources of power. It is argued that promoting the development and use of renewable energy resources can significantly contribute to enhancing electricity and energy accessibility in Africa. However, the analysis of the challenges facing African countries make it clear that only the adoption of a common regional energy policy can successfully ensure increased access to energy services in a sustainable way. Many regional organizations, including the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS/UMEOA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have engaged respectively in a common regional energy policy in order to meet this objective. However, depending on the challenges these regional organizations have to face, they develop different policies and strategies. This paper compares the regional renewable energy policy pursued by both regional organizations by pointing out the similarities and differences of their respective policy. It also provides explanations for these differences and similarities and highlights their respective successes and challenges. Moreover, the paper presents lessons both ECOWAS/UEMOA and SADC can learn from each over.