Link to article: https://issafrica.org/iss-today/too-much-too-fast-somalia-joins-the-east-african-community
Somalia is set to join the East African Community (EAC). This intergovernmental organization operates within the political, economic, cultural, and social spheres. Currently, its member states are the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Each of these members take action to improve their status within each of these realms. Thus, Somalia will benefit greatly from this allegiance. Additionally, the organization itself will reap the benefits of expansion.
Security is a major concern in Somalia as civil war and terrorist attacks have swept the region over the past several decades. These events have also decreased trade with neighboring countries. In joining the EAC, Somalia will develop trade relations and have the capacity to mend the violent atmosphere that currently exists there. However, there is some speculation of whether or not the EAC can support the struggling country of Somalia. Critics claim that since citizens of EAC countries are exempt from visa requirements within the region, that there would be an influx of Somalian immigrants into other countries and the resulting potential for smuggling of contraband could prove to be an issue in the future.
In class, we have discussed the impact of national interest on decision making. In this situation, it is in Somalia’s interest to join the EAC as it will support their economic and social development. We have also discussed the two overarching theories of international relations: realist theory and liberal theory. Realists have a relatively pessimistic view of human nature, claiming that humans have a predisposition to act selfishly. Liberalists, on the contrary, believe that humans are willing to act cooperatively with one another more often than not. In this situation, the critics of Somalia’s joining the EAC most likely hold the beliefs of liberal theory, as they do not have faith in the county to avoid illegal action once a part of the organization.