From developmental to open regionalism : the case of the Arab Maghreb Union

Abstract

This study investigates the evolution from developmental regionalism to open regionalism in the Maghreb. The Maghreb region comprises five states. Since their independence, these states have been engaged in regional cooperation attempts. The thesis sets out to examine the reasons these attempts have evolved from a developmental orientation in the 1960s and 1970s, to an orientation of structural engagement with a more powerful economic partner, the European Union, in the 1990s. It explores both the internal (regional and domestic) and external (global economy) circumstances, which have led Maghreb states first to engage in a joint Consultative structure and project coordination strategies in the 1960s, to concluding individual free trade areas with the European Union in the 1990s. This followed the failure of the Arab Maghreb Union, established in 1989, to deliver political, social, or economic benefits to Maghreb states. The reasons for this were varied, ranging from the nature of the Maghreb state, regional political conflicts, and structural economic impediments, to the rapidly chan ging global economic environment. This evolution in regionalism in the Maghreb has concurred with the shifts in thinking about regional cooperation and integration elsewhere in the developing world. The thesis explores the above theme in five chapters. One examines the evolution of regional integration theory, two chapters describe and analyse the actual attempts at regional cooperation and integration in the Maghreb, first in the 1960s, then in the 1990s, ^ id another discusses the reasons for the failure of developmental regionalism. Finally the last chapter analyses the shift to an open regionalism with the European Union of two of the core Maghreb countries, Tunisia, and Morocco. It then proceeds to explain these developments in the context of globalisation. Based on the evidence from these chapters, the study reaches the conclusion that Maghreb states will not be able to develop their economies and societies through a strategy of open regionalism. Rather, they will be better off first pursuing developmental regionalism