A rejoinder: the European community and regional integration in Southern Africa — a misplaced analogy

Abstract

This article has two objectives: firstly, it comments on Vale's application of the device of ‘high’ and ‘low’ politics as an analytical mechanism for understanding political and economic integration. It is argued that while historically the European Community may have only constituted an economic ('low') association, since 1975 it has moved, albeit tentatively, into the realm of political integration ('high’ politics). The second objective juxtaposes the European experience against that of Southern Africa. The similarities and differences between the two regional entities are highlighted: the conclusion offered is that the European analogy, if used indiscriminately, obfuscates rather than illuminates.