ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes literature by interrogating the neo-functional regional approach to tackling security and development challenges in Africa. It focuses on the historical evolution, conceptual nature, theoretical perspectives, foreign policy implications, and diplomatic context of regionalism in Africa. The book also examines comparative regionalism in Africa vis-a-vis prospects and challenges of sub-regional integration in Africa; potentials and constraints of pan-African regionalism; and prospects and possibility of trans-regional partnerships with Europe, Latin America, and Asia. It discusses peace and security implications of regionalism in Africa with respect to regional security architecture, conflict resolution, conflict management, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, peacekeeping as well as nationalism, separatism, secessionism, militancy, terrorism, insurgency, insurrection, xenophobia, sit-tight syndrome, and political succession crisis. The book explores the development implications of African regionalism in relation to democratisation, gender, intra-regional trade, extra-regional trade, bilateralism, multilateralism, and globalisation.
