Governance and Cross-Cultural Practices enhancing Inter-State relations Case Study; Eritrea-Kenya Relations.

Abstract

Interstate relations in Africa remain constrained, a situation that is escalated by different political systems, poor governance, weak internal institutions, cross- cultural differences, and effects of colonialism. In an effort to strengthen international relations, the African Union Constitutive Act recognizes good governance as a key pillar in strengthening and promotion of interstate relations and building of continental unity. Regional economic blocks have been established to facilitate interstate cooperation at the regional levels. However, despite the various efforts by such bodies, states must be deliberate and willing to pursue cooperation with other states as the non-interference policy guarantees that independent states cannot be coerced to such engagements. Lack of political goodwill remains the biggest impediment to interstate relations. The study was guided with the main objective to analyze and document the influence of governance and cross cultural practices in promotion of inter-state relations between Eritrea and Kenya. The study was guided by the institutionalism theory which examined the governance systems and cultural institutions role in strengthening interstate relations. The study makes a conclusion from the research findings that governance, which involves building working institutions as a key factor in promoting interstate relation from the findings, culture can be used as a channel in enhancing people’s relations since it offers a soft approach to cooperation which makes it a viable tool for interstate relations. The study recommends that there are many areas and opportunities between Eritrea and Kenya which are not fully exploited and which can offer great opportunities for deepening interstate relations. This includes cultural exchange programs, increased trading activities, collaboration initiatives to good governance, and benchmarking on good practices at the political, socio, and economic frontiers.