IGAD Regional Agenda: An Introduction

This chapter provides a background to IGAD’s attempt at regional integration in the Horn of Africa. It examines historical and structural factors influencing IGAD’s pursuit of economic and security regionalism. The book contextualizes regional efforts through a detailed exploration of Somalia's complex conflict. It uses a comparative lens to understudy the establishment of IGAD and its attempt to address shared challenges. Structural factors, including political fragmentation, economic disparities, and security concerns, are scrutinized for their influence on integration. Key focus areas include IGAD’s strategies, mechanisms, and policies to address complex challenges, exemplified by Somalia’s case with protracted conflict and transnational security threats.