Hegemons And Regional Economic Integration: Nigeria And South Africa, 1960 – 2007

ABSTRACT

The West and Southern regions of Africa are two parts that have attempted to integrate member countries within their respective regions. Regional integration in these regions of Africa have been facilitated by two hegemons who, like other hegemons, have been driven in their foreign policy pursuits by the determinants of foreign policy. Nigeria and South Africa had been two regional hegemons in the two regions respectively who have motivated integration in various ways. The work examines how the two countries have played hegemonic roles in the integration of their respective regions against the background of their national interest, domestic situation and the configuration of the international system. It discusses the different ways in which the two countries manifested hegemonic roles, the effects of such roles on integration in their regions, as well as the constraints both countries faced in their leadership roles. The work is based on some theories such as an African initiated framework of economic self-reliance and self-sustenance. Based on its findings the work contends that hegemons are crucial to integration processes, as no genuine regional integration can take place without hegemons. Hegemons provide critical all round leadership. The work further demonstrates that for regional hegemons to deepen integration in their respective regions, they must promote broad economic and political linkages. They must be willing to play the role of ‗benevolent hegemons‘ by creating mutually beneficial relationships with their neighbours while ensuring that the relationship promotes long-term regional and national interests. The work further shows that the hegemonic roles of Nigeria and South Africa, though demonstrated in different ways, have contributed to the economic cooperation, growth and relative peace in their respective subregions. In addition, Nigeria and South Africa regard their member states as equal partners in the integration processes and there is no evidence to suggest that they have tried to dominate or put their weight to bear on other members of their subregions.