This thesis investigates why Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS following military coups, while Guinea has not expressed such intentions. Using frameworks of...Show moreThis thesis investigates why Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS following military coups, while Guinea has not expressed such intentions. Using frameworks of geopolitical preference divergence, perception of IO’s performance and economic interdependence, the study reveals that dissatisfaction with ECOWAS governance, shifting geopolitical alignments and perceived ineffectiveness drove the decisions of the former three states. Conversely, Guinea’s lack of withdrawal intentions, despite similar political circumstances, is attributed to pragmatic diplomacy and economic autonomy. The analysis further reveals that contrary to expectations, higher economic interdependence does not deter withdrawal but amplified dissatisfaction. Finally, the findings highlight the complex dynamics shaping state-IO relationships and underscore the need for ECOWAS to address governance and legitimacy challenges to maintain cohesion.Show less
