East Africa: The Search for Unity by A. J. Hughes (Vintage 1963 Edition)

“East Africa: The Search for Unity” is a book written by A.J. Hughes, a British historian and journalist who specialized in East African affairs. The book, first published in 1960, explores the history and politics of the East African region and the quest for regional integration and unity.

The book covers the period from the late 19th century, when European colonial powers began to establish control over the region, up to the early 1960s, when most East African countries had achieved independence. Hughes examines the complex and often fraught relationship between the various ethnic, linguistic, and political groups in the region, as well as the challenges of building a unified regional identity in the face of colonialism and postcolonial political divisions.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of regionalism in the struggle for independence and nation-building in East Africa. Hughes argues that the search for unity and regional integration was a powerful force in East African politics, and played a critical role in shaping the region’s political and economic development. He explores the various attempts to create a united East African identity, including the East African Federation, a short-lived political union of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in the early 1960s.

Another important theme of the book is the impact of external forces on East African politics and society. Hughes examines the role of European colonial powers in shaping the region’s political and economic development, as well as the influence of the Cold War and the global struggle for decolonization.

Overall, “East Africa: The Search for Unity” provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of East African history and politics, and highlights the challenges and opportunities of building a united and prosperous region. The book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in East African affairs, regional integration, and the dynamics of postcolonial politics.