The Effects of Regional Integration on State Sovereignty: a Case Study of the East African Community (EAC)

Abstract

Regional integration attempts in Africa are often hampered by the conflict between regional integration and state sovereignty, which is also a challenge facing the East African Community (EAC). This research seeks to fill the void by analyzing how state sovereignty in the EAC is affected by regional integration. The primary goal of the research study is to investigate how integration in the East African Community (EAC) affects sovereignty of the states in the region. Neo functionalism believes that transferring government authorities and decision-making procedures for common goals causes spillover effects that affect regional integration. EAC member states retain significant power over decision-making and sovereign matters due to supranational organizations' coordination services, which lead regional integration through intergovernmentalism. According to constructivist international relations theory, state behavior is influenced by common norms and values. Regional integration is expected to considerably impair stronger EAC members' state sovereignty due to power and governments' willingness to pursue their own interests. This study involved collection, and analysis of data using quantitative methods. Questionnaires have been used for data collection in this research. The analysis takes into account the particulars of integration, such as its nature and extent, as well as the level of willingness on the part of individual member states to relinquish their sovereignty to the regional entity as a whole. Those with interest in regional integration, state sovereignty, and Africa's progress could benefit from the conclusions of this study. From the analysis, majority of respondents are optimistic about regional integration and they believe it have enhanced development, expansion, peace, and security in the EAC. Nonetheless, there are dissenting voices with hesitation or pessimism towards some aspects of integration. In conclusion, this study suggests that regional integration could affect state sovereignty in different ways within the EAC, providing directions to policy makers and other stakeholders for decision making towards the integration process into the future. Finally, the study suggests some recommendations towards enhancing efficiency of regional integration in the EAC. They include periodic review and adaptation, multi-faceted approach, consultation with member states and stakeholders, balanced harmonization of policies and rigorous policy framework. This highlights the need for further research and discussion on the link between regional integration and state sovereignty.