The State of the Union: What Future for African Integration in a Globalizing World?

Authors

Elizaveta Bekmanis, Macalester CollegeFollow

Document Type

Honors Project

Abstract

The supersession of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) by the African Union (AU) in 2002 marked a paradigm shift in African international relations. While the OAU had become known as a talking shop that failed to foster integration, the AU was established with a revived commitment to African unity. This thesis examines what lessons the European Union has to offer for African integration and the achievements and shortcomings of the AU. I find that its legal and institutional framework displays an ambitious commitment to integration, development, and democratization but that the AU suffers from functional problems that delay implementation.

Recommended Citation

Bekmanis, Elizaveta, "The State of the Union: What Future for African Integration in a Globalizing World?" (2016). International Studies Honors Projects. 22.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/intlstudies_honors/22