Indian Ocean regionalism: Perspectives from Mauritius, the Seychelles and Réunion

Abstract

Approaches to regionalism in the South-west Indian Ocean have been strongly influenced by the economic and political circumstances of the polities of the region. The position of Mauritius, the Seychelles (both independent Commonwealth states) and Réunion (a French overseas department) is briefly reviewed to establish the pespectives from which they approach regionalism. In large part this is to do with furthering their own economic interests in a situation where some of the arrangements which have prevailed in the past are changing. In terms of the immediate region and adjoining parts of Africa Mauritius is giving priority to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) but is also a le..