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Integrative and cooperative regionalism: the economic community of West African states

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  • Okolo, Julius Emeka

Abstract

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the most recent effort at regional integration in the Third World, is the first potential success for such endeavors among less developed countries (LDCs). Deficient in some of the neofunctional variables of regional integration, ECOWAS differs from similar LDC groupings. Its formation was the result of high-level political support. The terms and provisions of its treaty create a harmonious political environment for cooperation, and the community has so far been free of the conflicts that destroyed several similar LDC ventures. A quasi-supranational secretariat serves as a vanguard of integration by insulating technical issues from the politics of national interest. Nigeria, the major subregional actor, endeavors to make side payments (despite its economic difficulties), and a more conducive international environment has accompanied the changed attitude of France, the principal extraregional actor, from opposition to support. Despite some contrary forces, ECOWAS may become the Third World's first success in integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Okolo, Julius Emeka, 1985. "Integrative and cooperative regionalism: the economic community of West African states," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 39(1), pages 121-153, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:intorg:v:39:y:1985:i:01:p:121-153_00
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    Cited by:

    1. OlaOluwa S.Yaya & Pui Kiew Ling & Fumitaka Furuoka & Chinyere Mary Rose Ezeoke & Ray Ikechukwu Jacob, 2019. "Can West African countries catch up with Nigeria? Evidence from smooth nonlinearity method in fractional unit root framework," International Economics, CEPII research center, issue 158, pages 51-63.
    2. Yaya, OlaOluwa S & Ling, Pui Kiew & Furuoka, Fumitaka & Ezeoke, Chinyere Mary Rose & Jacob, Ray Ikechukwu, 2018. "Can Western African countries catch up with Nigeria? Evidence from Smooth Nonlinearity method in Fractional Unit root framework," MPRA Paper 90517, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Tanja A. Börzel, 2011. "Comparative Regionalism - A New Research Agenda," KFG Working Papers p0028, Free University Berlin.

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