EN
This paper will discuss different theories of regional security and how they have evolved over time along with the successes and challenges of regionalism efforts in East Africa. A case study will be used to contextualize the utility of a regional security analysis. Through an analysis of the theory of regional security, this paper will answer the following questions: does East Africa qualify as a security complex? Can the theory of Regional Security be useful in understanding the multitude and varied security issues? Is the preoccupation with regionalism a luxury for those regions that do not face threats to survival or a necessity for regions that do? Can regional-based efforts combined with a shared sense of regionalism improve security in East Africa?