Abstract

How successful have Southern African states been in dealing with the major issues that have faced the region in recent years? What could be done to produce more cohesive and effective region-building in Southern Africa? In this original and wide-ranging volume, which draws on an interdisciplinary team of mainly African and African-based specialists, the key political, socio-economic, and security challenges facing Southern Africa today are addressed. These include the various issues confronting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its institutions; such as HIV/AIDS, migration and xenophobia, land-grabbing and climate change; and the role of the main external actors involved with the region, including the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and China. The book also looks at the Southern African Customs Union and Southern African Development Finance Institutions, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Industrial Development Corporation, and issues of gender and peacebuilding. In doing so, the book goes to the heart of analyzing the effectiveness of SADC and other regional organisation, suggesting how region-building in Southern Africa may be compared with similar attempts elsewhere in Africa and other parts of the world.
Gwinyayi Dzinesa is Senior Researcher at the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town. Chris Saunders is Emeritus Professor in Historical Studies at the University of Cape Town, and a research associate at the Centre for Conflict Resolution Dawn Nagar is a researcher at the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town.
'This is likely to be one of the most important books of this decade on region building in Southern Africa. The volume contains chapters by a highly esteemed group of scholars and policy makers. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand region building in Africa in general and Southern Africa in particular. I highly recommend it for use in the classroom and by policy makers and civil society.' Professor Margaret C. Lee, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA 'The book provides a systematic overview of southern Africa as a region, discussing the diverse dynamics that energise the sub-continent and which both contribute to and undermine coherent integration and development. Comprehensive and well-written, the contributions shed a timely light on a part of Africa that is said to be currently 'emerging'. Readers of this volume will be equipped to be able to make their own judgements on such an assertion'. Professor Ian Taylor, School of International Relations, University of St. Andrews 'While this is not the first book that tries to get a better understanding of the processes, actors and institutions involved in the formation of a functional region, this volume is unique in several ways. One is that it takes a broadly Pan-African approach to the analysis. The second is that it draws together reputable analysts with diverse expertise on regional integration. The third is that it is a product of a high-level policy seminar and thus offers fresher perspectives on topical issues of today. Lastly, it provides the basis for further and deeper research of key dynamics that could propel regional integration forward. This is a useful addition to the literature on regional integration in southern Africa.' Dr Siphamandla Zondi, Director of the Africa and Southern Africa Programme, The Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa 'There has been an urgent need for an up-to-date volume on Southern Africa as a region, and for the expansive range of the region's concerns to be fully and sympathetically addressed. This book will be indispensable to all who wish to understand Southern Africa and its regional dynamics.' Stephen Chan, School of Oriental & African Studies, London 'This very timely and well-researched volume enriches the existing body of literature on regionalism in southern Africa with commendable no-nonsense clarity. It is carefully nuanced, engages the debate at more than one register, and ought to become a primer on this subject to academicians and practioners alike.' Professor Andre du Pisani, The University of Namibia 'There is always value in new analysis and evaluation of national, regional and global endeavours, to enhance the quality of life of families, communities and nations in the global village. This book adds to an already strong resource base for policy makers, planners, business leaders and scholars, seeking deeper and closer understanding of Southern Africa. It also points to the imperatives and critical paths to an effective Southern African Community. It's a smooth and easy read - enjoy!' Simba Makoni, former Finance Minister, South Africa