The “Isms” of Regional Integration: What Do Underlying Interstate Preferences Hold for the ECOWAS Union?

Abstract

As the world starts reopening following the lockdowns prompted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, regional collaborations and trade matters have resurfaced. While the Brexit (British exit from the EU) negotiations have dominated regional trade headlines, the fate of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is also being rethought. In all these, however, the issue of regional integration, administration, and governance of treaties and policies remain contentious areas. Considering these concerns, this article draws insights from the regionalization of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We explore the “isms” (that is, the ideologies of realism, neoliberalism, intergovernmentalism, institutionalism, and regionalism) that impact upon the achievement and implementation of the regional governance system. We analyze ECOWAS' current strategy toward the integration of the West African region, its successes, and its failures. Also, we highlight some of the challenges concerning the implementation of treaties. Finally, we evaluate the underlying national preferences and the implications for the “isms” in many settings. Related Articles Aideyan, Osaore. 2016. “Political and Institutional Prerequisites for Monetary Union: Assessing Progress in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).” Politics & Policy 44 (6): 1192‐1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12183 Asongu, Simplice A. 2016. “Determinants of Growth in Fast‐Developing Countries: Evidence from Bundling and Unbundling Institutions.” Politics & Policy 44 (1): 97‐134. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12148/full Cerami, Alfio. 2011. “Social Mechanisms in the Establishment of the European Economic and Monetary Union.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 345‐372. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00294.x/full

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