| This study analyzes the current efforts among the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to harmonize their macro and microeconomic policies, expand their regional trade and deepen their mutual cooperation in many other aspects of their relations. In so doing, the EAC partners hope to set in motion conditions that would improve the quality of life for all their peoples.; While regional alliances are not a new phenomena in international relations, the reemergence of the EAC after almost two decades of its dissolution is a testament to the leaders of East Africa who realized that issues of trade and human welfare can be best addressed by finding common ground for addressing their economic, social and political problems.; This study also explains how these resource-poor nations of East Africa have organized themselves to speak with one voice not just in addressing their common issues, but in leveraging their assets to attract new customers to the region for investment.; It is the argument of this dissertation that the harmonization and liberalization of major sectors within the EAC are measures being put in place not to shut out foreigners but rather as a strategy to establish an environment that will attract new, outside partners to the region. Viewed in this regard, the establishment of the EAC should be seen as an attempt by these regional players to reorganize themselves to compete in the new global economy with the more developed states.; This research concludes that the reorganized EAC, based on a sector-by-sector approach, may succeed in East Africa, although it is still in its infancy. The study finds that, unlike in the previous EAC in the 1970s there is currently a political commitment to the EAC by the three partner states. Also, the new EAC is loosely arranged and not rigidly structured, as was the case in the 1970s. The study shows that harmonization and integration in the identified areas are continuing despite many financial problems of these countries.; The study also predicts that much remains to be done, especially in key sectors such as transportation and communication networks. The EU and the World Bank continue to sponsor major projects and programs, furthering the point that the resurrection of the EAC serves as a positive indicator for new, outside investors in the region.; The study predicts the success of the EAC, including expansion to include neighboring countries like Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Burundi and Rwanda. The study concludes by observing that, faced with hard choices to make, even smaller countries can reorganize themselves into new attractive entities and collectively become regional actors in the global economy. |
