Paper short abstract:

Analyzing the agency of ECOWAS, this paper paper investigates how different actors at African regional organizations have sought to position themselves in trans-regional and global dynamics, such as contested economic and trade relations as well as inter-connected security challenges.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper, we use the concept ‘globalization project’ to investigate how different actors have sought to position the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in trans-regional and global dynamics, such as contested economic and trade relations as well as inter-connected security challenges. Considering ECOWAS as a complex collective actor, the paper identifies, describes and analyzes how ECOWAS actors have perceived the organization’s position in trans-regional and global dynamics and how they have actively tried to influence it. Drawing on official documents and interviews with ECOWAS staff, the paper focuses on the work of ECOWAS liaison offices and regional coordination efforts in Addis Ababa, Brussels and New York, as examples of active efforts to shape trans-regional and global dynamics according to West African regional interests. Thereby, the paper contributes to a better understanding of the agency of African regional organizations in global politics and contemporary globalization processes.