Der Band geht auf eine Anfang 1996 in Cape Town abgehaltene Konferenz zurück. Die Autoren untersuchen die Bedingungen und Perspektiven regionaler Integration im südlichen Afrika vor dem Hintergrund der veränderten weltwirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen. Nach den erfolglosen Anstrengungen regionaler Integration in Afrika in den 60er und 70er sehen viele Beobachter in der 1992 gegründeten "Southern African Development Community" (SADC) eine Schlüsselrolle und Indikator für wirtschaftliche Entwicklung des gesamten Kontinents. Inhalt: Cord Jakobeit: The Theoretical Dimenions of Regional Integration: Have the Motives for Developing Countries Changed? (9-35); Elmar Altvater: The Megatrend of Globalization and the Freedom of Action Achievable Through Regional Integration (37-57); Richard Higgott: Leadership, Niche Diplomacy and International Cooperation After the Cold War. Some Theoretical Insights for Southern Africa (59-90); Jörg Meyer-Stamer: Regional Integration, Systemic Competitiveness, and Industrial Policy. Lessons from the EU Experience (91-120); Imme Scholz: International Ecological and Social Standards: Strategies to Cope with the Challenges of a Globalizing Economy (121-144); Fataki Liondjo: The Perspectives for Developing Countries within the WTO Framework: Improved Opportunities for Regional Cooperation? The Case of Africa (145-161); Peter Meyns: From Co-ordination to Integration. Institutional Aspects of the Development of the SADC (163-184); SADC Industry and Trade Coordination Division (SITCD): Regional Co-operation and Integration in Southern Africa: Progress and Perspectives with particular Reference to Trade and Industry (185-199); Heribert Dieter: Regionalization in the Age of Globalization. What Limits Are There to Economic Integration in Southern Africa? (201-235); Richard Higgott: Regional Integration, Economic Cooperation or Economic Policy Coordination in the Asia Pacific? Unpacking APEC, EAEC and AFTA (237-276).