This paper analyzes the security issues and its reasons for the region West Africa. Furthermore the author explains the trade agreement Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its impacts as well as solutions.
ECOWAS was formed on May 28, 1975 to promote economic integration in West Africa. The realization of this economic integration agenda was largely due to Nigeria’s regional leadership in West Africa. However, Nigeria’s attempts were met with stiff opposition from the Francophone bloc led by Cote d’Ivoire with support from France in the 1970s. Though often blown out of proportion, there has historically been a raging antagonism between the Anglophone and Francophone blocs in West Africa. On its part, fearing Nigeria’s domination in any West African integration scheme, France supported Cote d’Ivoire’s hostility towards Nigeria. In a February-March 1971 tour in most of the former French colonies, President Pompidou warned against Nigeria’s domination and urged them to harmonize their efforts to counter balance the heavy weight of Nigeria. The result was the formation of West African Economic Community’s (CEAO) in 1973. In the words of Engel and Jouanjean (2015), France perceived Nigeria as a major threat to its chasse gardée, French West Africa, as it made use of Cote d’Ivoire’s economic might and Senegal’s cultural heritage.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1.0 OVERVIEW OF ECOWAS' FORMATION.
- 2.0 UNDERSTANDING FACTORS INFLUENCING COLLECTIVE SECURITY SCHEME IN WEST AFRICA.
- 2.1 NATIONAL FACTORS.
- 2.2 REGIONAL FACTORS
- 2.3 EXTRA-REGIONAL FACTORS
- 3.0 SMOOTHING THE EDGES OF SECURITY REGIONALISM IN WEST AFRICA.
- 3.1 THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
- 3.2 INSTITUTIONALIZING COLLECTIVE SECURITY IN WEST AFRICA.
- 3.3 DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE, CIVIL SOCIETY AND HUMANAN SECURITY
- 3.4 FUNDING CAPACITY AND SOURCES
- 4.0 CONCLUSION.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text examines the evolution of security regionalism within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), focusing on the challenges and opportunities of creating a robust collective security system in the region. The primary objective is to analyze the factors influencing the formation of this security regionalism, highlighting both national, regional, and extra-regional dynamics.
- The historical context and motivations behind the formation of ECOWAS and its initial focus on economic integration.
- The impact of national factors, including power dynamics, historical ties, and ideological differences, on collective security initiatives within ECOWAS.
- The significance of regional factors, such as the role of external actors (like France) and the influence of existing regional organizations (like WAEMU), in shaping security regionalism.
- The challenges and opportunities associated with institutionalizing collective security in West Africa, including legal frameworks, governance structures, and funding mechanisms.
- The role of democracy, good governance, and human security in fostering a stable and secure environment for regional cooperation.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
-
1.0 OVERVIEW OF ECOWAS' FORMATION.
This chapter examines the historical context of ECOWAS formation, highlighting the role of Nigeria's regional leadership and the challenges posed by Francophone opposition led by Cote d'Ivoire. The chapter analyzes the complex geopolitical dynamics between Anglophone and Francophone blocs and the influence of external actors like France, exploring how these factors shaped the initial focus on economic integration and the emergence of security concerns. -
2.0 UNDERSTANDING FACTORS INFLUENCING COLLECTIVE SECURITY SCHEME IN WEST AFRICA.
This chapter delves into the factors influencing security regionalism in West Africa, examining both national and regional dynamics. It explores how domestic characteristics of member states, including power dynamics, ideological variations, and economic performance, affect ECOWAS' ability to undertake security initiatives. The chapter also analyzes the impact of external actors and the existence of competing regional organizations on collective security efforts. -
2.1 NATIONAL FACTORS.
This section focuses on the influence of national factors on ECOWAS' security regionalism. It explores how the dynamics of power, historical ties, and ideological variations among member states impact collective security missions. The chapter examines how hegemonic struggles and rivalries within the region, fueled by colonial experiences and historical factors, can hinder consensus building on security matters. -
2.2 REGIONAL FACTORS
This section explores the regional factors influencing security regionalism in West Africa. It examines the role of external actors, particularly France, and the impact of their involvement on security dynamics in the region. The chapter analyzes the influence of existing regional organizations like WAEMU and their potential conflicts or overlaps with ECOWAS mandates. -
2.3 EXTRA-REGIONAL FACTORS
This section focuses on extra-regional factors influencing security regionalism in West Africa. It examines how external actors and global trends, such as the Cold War and the rise of transnational terrorism, have shaped security dynamics in the region. The chapter explores the challenges and opportunities posed by global actors and their involvement in West African security matters. -
3.0 SMOOTHING THE EDGES OF SECURITY REGIONALISM IN WEST AFRICA.
This chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with institutionalizing collective security in West Africa. It examines the legal environment, institutional structures, and funding mechanisms needed to build a robust security system. The chapter also explores the importance of democracy, good governance, and human security in fostering a stable and secure environment for regional cooperation. -
3.1 THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT
This section examines the legal framework for security cooperation within ECOWAS, highlighting the importance of a strong legal foundation for effective security regionalism. It explores the role of existing legal instruments and the challenges associated with developing and implementing new laws to address security threats. -
3.2 INSTITUTIONALIZING COLLECTIVE SECURITY IN WEST AFRICA.
This section analyzes the institutional structures and mechanisms needed to institutionalize collective security in West Africa. It examines the role of different organizations, including the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice, in promoting security cooperation. -
3.3 DEMOCRACY, GOOD GOVERNANCE, CIVIL SOCIETY AND HUMANAN SECURITY
This section explores the link between democracy, good governance, and human security in promoting a stable and secure environment for regional cooperation. It examines the role of civil society and other non-state actors in contributing to security initiatives within ECOWAS. -
3.4 FUNDING CAPACITY AND SOURCES
This section discusses the financial resources needed to implement security regionalism in West Africa. It examines the challenges associated with funding capacity and explores various potential funding sources, including member states, international organizations, and private sector contributions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Security regionalism, ECOWAS, collective security, West Africa, economic integration, national factors, regional factors, extra-regional factors, democracy, good governance, human security, institutionalization, legal environment, funding capacity, France, WAEMU, Anglophone, Francophone, historical context, geopolitical dynamics.
- Quote paper
- Gilbert Aidoo Arhinful (Author), 2018, Security Regionalism in West Africa after the trade agreement ECOWAS. Smoothing the rough edges, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/957090
