Flexible Regional Economic Integration in Africa: Lessons and Implications for the Multilateral Trading System (Studies in International Trade and Investment Law)

This book examines the relationship between flexible regional economic integration in the East African Community (EAC), through its application of variable geometry, and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a continent-wide form of integration. It uses a historical, political, legal and economic analysis of the processes that led to the adoption of flexible regional integration in Africa, with particular regard to the EAC. This takes place in the inescapable context of pan-Africanism, showing how regional integration efforts in Africa are based on pan-Africanist ideals, and how an evolution of these ideals has led to an evolution in the goals of integration. With growing awareness of the weaknesses and impracticality of consensus-based decision-making on a global level, it makes the case for the pursuit of flexibility in multilateral trade, drawing lessons from the experience of the AfCFTA and blocs in other regions. This book is a historical evaluation of regional economic integration efforts in Africa. It follows the path of attempts to integrate the economies on the continent from colonial times to the birth of the AfCFTA. While it is a study in law, it relies heavily on politics, economics and history to weave together a more complete theory of economic integration based on the African experience. Studies in International Trade and Investment Law: Volume 26 Foreword Acknowledgements Contents List of Abbreviations Table of Treaties and Statutes 1. Introduction I. The East African Community (EAC) II. Flexible Regional Economic Integration III. The Approach IV. Significance V. Overview 2. Integration Theory I. Deciphering Regional Economic Integration II. A Brief Revisiting of Integration Theories III. Pan-Africanism, Integration Theory and the African Experience IV. Summary: Theories, Realities and the Ensuing Frustration 3. Flexible Regional Economic Integration I. A Definition of Flexible Regional Integration II. Streamlining Definition: Flexible Regional Economic Integration III. The Application of Flexible Regional Economic Integration IV. Arguments in Favour of Flexible Integration V. Criticisms of Flexible Integration VI. Summary 4. An Introduction to the EAC I. Early Beginnings II. The Second Attempt III. The EAC Today IV. Looking Forward V. Summary 5. Flexible Regional Economic Integration in the East African Community I. A Brief History of Article 7(1)(e) of the EAC Treaty II. Why Flexible Regional Economic Integration in the EAC? III. Summary 6. The Northern Corridor Integration Projects I. An Introduction to the NCIP II. Milestones to NCIP's Establishment III. Effects of the NCIP IV. Summary 7. The Africa Continental Free Trade Area I. A Brief History of the AfCFTA II. AfCFTA: Objectives, Principles and Enabling Factors III. The EAC and AfCFTA: Mother and Child, or Egg and Fowl? IV. Summary: Is the AfCFTA a Case for or Against Flexible Integration? 8. Beyond the Regions: Flexibility in Multilateral Trade I. The WTO Today – A Single Undertaking? II. Why Has Flexibility Been Avoided? III. The Big Question: How? 9. Flexibility: Looking Ahead Bibliography Index "This book examines the relationship between flexible regional economic integration in the East African Community (EAC), through its application of variable geometry, and the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a continent-wide form of integration. It uses a historical, political, legal and economic analysis of the processes that led to the adoption of flexible regional integration in Africa, with particular regard to the EAC. This takes place in the inescapable context of pan-Africanism, showing how regional integration efforts in Africa are based on pan-Africanist ideals, and how an evolution of these ideals has led to an evolution in the goals of integration. With growing awareness of the weaknesses and impracticality of consensus-based decision-making on a global level, it makes the case for the pursuit of flexibility in multilateral trade, drawing lessons from the experience of the AfCFTA and blocs in other regions. This book is a historical evaluation of regional economic integration efforts in Africa and it follows the path of attempts to integrate the economies on the continent from colonial times to the birth of the AfCFTA. While it is a study in law, it relies heavily on politics, economics and history to weave together a more complete theory of economic integration based on the African experience. Flexible Regional Economic Integration in Africa was awarded the 2020 SIEL-Hart Prize in International Economic Law."-- Provided by publisher