Essay 29: Regionalism and the Challenges of Pluralistic Security Communities: Case Study of the East African Community
摘要
In the wake of decolonisation and a more interconnected world, regionalism has become a key force in global politics. As the international system shifts toward multipolarity, with declining trust in multilateral institutions and rising regional powers, understanding how regions foster stability and governance is increasingly important. While many regional initiatives began with economic goals, the post-Cold War decline in inter-state conflicts shifted attention to intra-state crises, highlighting the need for collective security approaches. Karl Deutsch’s concept of pluralistic security communities emphasises shared norms and institutions to reduce conflict among members. However, the effectiveness of regionalism in tackling global security, political, and economic challenges remains uncertain.