ANWSER
Question 1:
Regional economic integration is the key to political and socioeconomic stability in West Africa. Discuss.
Answer:
Regional economic integration plays a crucial role in fostering political and socioeconomic stability in West Africa. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) serves as a prime example of efforts to create a unified economic and political region.
- Political Stability:
- Regional integration reduces conflicts through diplomatic cooperation and collective security mechanisms (e.g., ECOWAS peacekeeping missions).
- It promotes democratic governance and the rule of law by ensuring political accountability among member states.
- Economic Growth and Trade Expansion:
- A common market encourages intra-regional trade, reducing dependency on external markets.
- The free movement of goods, services, and people enhances economic diversification and industrialization.
- Social Development:
- Integration fosters education and employment opportunities by allowing labor mobility across member states.
- It strengthens infrastructure development, such as transport networks, energy projects, and digital connectivity.
Despite these benefits, challenges such as weak institutional frameworks, political instability, and economic disparities among nations continue to hinder full integration.
Question 2:
How would you explain the assertion that “national sovereignty is consistently being challenged as the state eagerly gives way to regional economic integration”?
Answer:
The assertion highlights the tension between national sovereignty and regional economic integration. As states become part of economic blocs like ECOWAS, they must surrender some control over domestic policies to align with regional regulations.
- Legal and Economic Constraints:
- Member states must adhere to ECOWAS trade laws, sometimes overriding national policies.
- Regional courts, such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice, can rule against national governments.
- Political Considerations:
- Some governments resist regional policies that limit their ability to control borders, taxation, and trade policies.
- There is fear of losing decision-making power to supranational institutions.
- Benefits vs. Sovereignty Loss:
- While integration offers economic benefits, it requires states to compromise on independent policymaking.
- Examples include Nigeria’s reluctance to fully implement the ECOWAS common currency due to national economic concerns.
Thus, regional integration challenges national sovereignty but also fosters long-term economic and political benefits.
Question 3:
With relevant examples, highlight and discuss the significance of ECOWAS’s free entry and exit policy for trade development in West Africa.
Answer:
ECOWAS’s free entry and exit policy is a cornerstone of regional economic integration, facilitating trade and economic cooperation.
- Encouraging Cross-Border Trade:
- The free movement of goods and services boosts intra-regional trade.
- Countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire benefit from exporting agricultural products without heavy tariffs.
- Enhancing Market Access:
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gain access to broader markets.
- Nigerian traders can freely sell goods in Togo and Benin, increasing economic interactions.
- Challenges and Implementation Gaps:
- Despite policies, border closures (e.g., Nigeria’s border closure in 2019) disrupt free trade.
- Poor infrastructure and corruption at border posts hinder smooth trade movements.
Thus, while the policy enhances trade, full implementation requires improved logistics and political commitment.
Question 4:
With logical examples, examine the position of realists and liberalists on regional economic integration.
Answer:
Realists and liberalists offer contrasting perspectives on regional economic integration.
- Realist Perspective:
- Realists argue that states prioritize national interest over regional cooperation.
- They view economic integration as secondary to security and political control.
- Example: Nigeria’s temporary border closure in 2019 to protect local industries.
- Liberalist Perspective:
- Liberalists advocate for interdependence and cooperation as pathways to prosperity.
- They emphasize trade liberalization and economic partnerships.
- Example: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a step toward economic growth.
Both perspectives shape policies, but liberalists argue that integration ultimately leads to long-term stability and growth.
Question 5:
Account for the benefits and challenges of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) in West Africa.
Answer:
The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) is designed to promote free trade within the region.
- Benefits:
- Market Expansion: Member states enjoy tariff-free access to regional markets.
- Economic Growth: Encourages industrialization by promoting regional supply chains.
- Increased Investments: Businesses benefit from reduced trade barriers.
- Challenges:
- Poor Implementation: Bureaucratic delays and corruption at borders hinder effectiveness.
- Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road networks and port inefficiencies slow down trade.
- Non-Tariff Barriers: Some countries impose hidden restrictions despite ETLS regulations.
While ETLS presents vast economic opportunities, full realization depends on stronger political will and infrastructural improvements.
Question 6:
Highlight and discuss the implication of the voluntary withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on trade relations in ECOWAS states.
Answer:
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS has significant trade and economic implications.
- Disruption of Trade Routes:
- These landlocked countries rely on coastal ECOWAS nations for imports and exports.
- Withdrawal may increase trade costs due to tariff reintroductions.
- Security and Economic Instability:
- The move could lead to economic isolation, reducing investments in these nations.
- Regional security cooperation may weaken, impacting trade flows.
- Impact on ECOWAS:
- The bloc may lose economic contributions from these countries.
- It could create fragmentation, reducing the effectiveness of regional economic policies.
Overall, their withdrawal could disrupt economic stability unless new trade agreements are negotiated.