Exploring the Impact of Regional Integration on Regional Security in Ecowas Through a Neo-Regionalism Perspective

The current study explores the impact of regional integration on regional security within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through the perspective of neo-regionalism.Accordingly, the qualitative research methodology was employed for this study through a comprehensive review of the official documents, reports and academic literature related to ECOWAS.Data analysis involved a thorough examination of the gathered data to determine the major contributions, achievements and challenges of regional integration and their impacts on regional security in West Africa.Despite the challenges facing ECOWAS, the findings of the study show that the neo-regionalism in West Africa has been beneficial in enhancing social cohesion, political stability and economic integration, which has had a positive impact on security in West Africa.Furthermore, it was observed that ECOWAS initiatives contribute to the emergence of a more integrated and diversified economic space, which could have a positive impact on the sustainability of development and reduce the region's exposure to external market fluctuations.