'Neo-Functionalism': Relevancy for East African Community Political Integration?

Abstract

This study examines the relevance of neo-functionalism in relation to transforming the East African Community (EAC) into a political federation. Thus, it is revealed by this study that the failures of the EAC to integrate smoothly into a political union can be partly explained by the inability of the EAC secretariat to push member states to comply with agreements. And furthermore, it is concluded that the choice of integration strategy is not a big part of the EAC’s integration problems, and that the EAC’s target of having a full-fledged political federation within a particular short timeframe is causing substantial stress to regional stakeholders.

Keywords: Neo-Functionalism, East African Community, Tanzania, Kenya

JEL Classification: F55