The multiliteral trade system and the African regional integration systems: The use of soft law and hard law strategies in the SADC, SACU and COMESA
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Date
2006
Authors
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The paper seeks to explore the relationship between the Multilateral Trade System
(MTS) and the African Regional Integration System(s)(RIS). This is done through the
analysis of norm formation on trade in Regional Integration Systems (RIS).
In this analysis, the manner in which the African Regional Integration Systems use the
soft and hard law strategies to reproduce themselves institutionally on trade issues is
carefully explored . This is done by looking at specific case studies of COMES A, SADC and SACU. This approach will help to reveal the degree of policy awareness and consistency, or lack thereof in the processes that leads to institutional decision-making and outcomes in these Regional Integration Systems. It is the contention of this paper that the African RIS have not sufficiently and efficiently used their own internal institutional processes to allow for a coherent interaction between them and the MTS. In carrying the analysis forward the ' landscape' of tensions and contradictory interactions between the MTS and the RIS is explored. The nexus between the Africa Continental Integration programmes and the RIS programmes is carefully evaluated.
Description
A thesis prepared in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Master of Law (Economic Law)
Keywords
Trade