Introduction

This volume focuses upon the relationship between South and southern Africa and the Indian Ocean rim, notably in the context of the establishment of the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) association, an economic grouping formalized in March 1997 with an initial membership of fourteen and a projected membership of at least double that number. It surveys the historical background to economic co-operation across the Indian Ocean, and examines the potential opportunities and risks of current moves towards regional co-operation in the area. ²