Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 May 2014
The international system is becoming increasingly characterized by the evolutionary development of integrated subordinate regional systems (see Masters 1961; Haas 1949, 1965; Miller 1967; Segal 1967; Herz 1959; Yalen 1965). The leading scholars in the field have responded to this change by formulating new analytical concepts. Indeed, several preliminary studies have already been published on the developing subordinate regional systems of the Middle East, southern Asia and Africa (Binder 1958, Brecher 1963ab, Zartman 1967, Saenz 1968bc).
The advocates of regionalism and integration theory generally agree that developing subordinate regional systems have basic characteristics in common. These systems are considered to be autonomous, but not entirely independent of the overall international system. The subordinate systems are usually limited to a general geographical identification area. The nature of the system is reflected in a regional organization designed to foster mutual coordination and cooperation on matters of common interest to its members. As is usually the case in the development of new analytical concepts, however, there are several issues of contention concerning the utility of the subordinate regional systems concept (Hanson 1969, Rye 1968, Saenz 1969).
This article will not attempt to deal with all the unanswered questions relating to regional integration. It will, however, attempt to formulate some tentative and exploratory conclusions about those issues that relate specifically to the role of the Organization of African Unity in the developing subordinate African regional system.