ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolution and transformation of regional economic co-operation and integration, in particular the expansion of the frontiers of economic integration into security regionalism. Civil wars and conflicts have reversed the developmental and economic gains of decades of regional integration and co-operation. These have not only stretched the capacity of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in managing and resolving these intra-state conflicts but have also undermined the possibility of achieving the common market objectives of the regional organisation. The geographical expression' that is West Africa is a region' which exhibits a diverse range of historical, ethnic, cultural, political, economic, religious, ecological, and linguistic characteristics, and has a trilingual European cultural heritage, itself a product of colonialism. The politics of economic regionalism ensured an ECOWAS preoccupation with regional political co-operation and confidence building, especially in such areas as the peaceful resolution of inter-state disputes and in forging common positions on international affairs.
