Dele Kogbe’s Rethinking Civil Society Regionalism in Africa offers a timely and insightful exploration of the evolving role of civil society in regional integration efforts in West Africa. Examining civil society democratic participation in regional integration and involvement in regionalism of peacebuilding, it rethinks how we study civil society in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. 

Kogbe’s important contribution challenges traditional narratives that focus solely on state-centric approaches to regionalism, shedding light on how civil society actors contribute to shaping regional policies and advocating for social justice across borders. In particular, the book develops a new analytical framework to understand how organisations such as the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) and West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) have evolved. 

Kogbe’s detailed analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how these civil society groups operate, offering a fresh perspective on the continent’s integration challenges. What sets Kogbe’s work apart is his ability to intertwine theoretical insights with practical examples, making the book accessible to both scholars and practitioners. The author highlights the limitations and opportunities facing civil society organizations, emphasizing their potential to reshape governance and foster greater accountability at the regional level. 

Overall, Rethinking Civil Society Regionalism in Africa is a thought-provoking and well-researched contribution to the literature on regionalism and civil society in Africa, offering a valuable resource for those interested in African development, governance, and international relations.