Economic integration and peace-building in east Africa: A Study of East African Community
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Date
2023-06
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Kampala International University, College of Humanities and social Science
Abstract
The study examined how regional integration affects peace-building in the East African Community. The study was guided by three objectives:(i) To examine the impact of common market on peace-building in East Africa; (ii) assess the impact of Customs Union on peace-building among East African countries; (iii) investigate how free trade areas among member states impacts on peace-building in East Africa. The descriptive correlational design was employed. A sample size of 112 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) Table of determining sample size. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. The Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient was used to establish the relationship between economic integration and peace-building. The findings revealed that the common market has facilitated free movement of capital and services among member states; the study also indicated that a common market brings about free movement of labor services amongst members and persons among East African states. The findings also revealed that there is a relationship between Customs Unions and peace-building in the EA states; the study findings revealed that Customs union leads to the removal of impediments to trade flows by increasing in-trade flows among member states; customs unions lead to proper balance of payment; the results also indicated that there is a reduction of tariffs between member states in East Africa; there are free trade agreements among member states (Bilateral or multilateral)-regarding specific trade issues (reduction of tariffs). The study recommended that Member states need to further enhance the free movement of capital and services amongst themselves by putting in place more trade agreements and friendly policies under the common market; there is need for member states to fully embrace the customs union protocols by removing impediments to trade flows among member states which may include abolition of tariffs among EAC member states; EAC member states need to support the free trade areas by allowing goods moving from one country to another with the reduction of tariffs, abolition of import tariffs through trade agreements and negotiations which contribute to peace-building, by promoting economic interdependence, regional cooperation and thereby reducing the likelihood of conflicts among member states.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the directorate of higher degrees and research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts in international relations and diplomatic studies of Kampala International University
Keywords
Economic integration, Peace-building, East African Community