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🏴‍☠️intro to international relations review

EAC

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of six member countries in East Africa, aimed at fostering cooperation and integration among its members. The EAC focuses on economic, political, social, and cultural integration to enhance development and stability in the region, addressing challenges such as trade barriers, infrastructure deficits, and security issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The EAC was originally established in 1967 but was inactive until its revival in 2000, with a focus on promoting regional integration.
  2. The current member states of the EAC are Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
  3. The EAC has made significant strides in developing a common market and customs union to facilitate trade among member states.
  4. One of the main goals of the EAC is to enhance economic growth and development through increased trade and investment within the region.
  5. The EAC also addresses security challenges such as terrorism and cross-border crime by promoting regional cooperation and collective security initiatives.

Review Questions

  • How does the EAC aim to enhance economic development among its member countries?
    • The EAC enhances economic development among its member countries through initiatives that promote regional integration, such as establishing a customs union and a common market. By eliminating trade barriers and facilitating free movement of goods, services, and labor, the EAC aims to boost intra-regional trade and attract foreign investment. These efforts help create a more competitive economic environment that can lead to sustainable growth across the member states.
  • Evaluate the impact of the EAC's initiatives on trade relations within the region.
    • The EAC's initiatives have significantly improved trade relations within the region by reducing tariffs and simplifying customs procedures. The establishment of a customs union has allowed for easier movement of goods across borders, fostering closer economic ties among member states. This has led to increased trade volumes, improved supply chain efficiencies, and greater market access for businesses in East Africa, ultimately contributing to economic growth in the region.
  • Discuss the challenges faced by the EAC in achieving its goals of regional integration and cooperation.
    • The EAC faces several challenges in achieving its goals of regional integration and cooperation. These include differing national interests among member states, which can lead to conflicts over policy decisions. Additionally, infrastructural deficits such as poor transport networks hinder trade facilitation efforts. Political instability in some member countries also poses risks to effective collaboration. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the EAC to realize its vision of a prosperous and integrated East African region.