A Comparative Study of Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Regional integration has been seen as an important tool for developing regions, especially in their quest to ensure socio-economic development. Using the SADC and ASEAN and as case studies, the central aim of the paper is to evaluate integration initiatives perused by these two regions in their quest to ensure socio-economic development. To accomplish this, the study employed a qualitative research method; were a systematic review of the literature relating to regional integration within the context of the SADC and ASEAN was undertaken, subsequently, the study utilized thematic content analysis to deduce its findings with the hope of bringing meaning to the overall content of the paper. The study found that ASEAN has undertaken significant strides aimed at deepening regional integration which has contributed immensely to the development, market growth and expansion of the region, however from a SADC perspective, political disagreements, competing member state interests are some of the factors hindering the SADC from deepening regional integration despite it being an important need for regional leaders. Eliminating trade barriers and commitment to the quick ratification of protocols is important for the SADC's goal of deepening integration.