In politically unstable and volatile regions such as Africa, RI can - according to political scientists, - improve the national and regional security situation. (Peters-Berries, 2010)
They contend that
In areas of the world where states are not (yet) fully integrated and consolidated or where ‘failed’ states exist, the probability of armed conflicts is high. The potential for conflict can be greatly reduced through RI schemes which also incorporate such ‘soft’ or even ‘failed’ states. Functioning RI bodies appear to de-escalate civil wars and internal strife and may also calm down regional disputes and conflicts.
Regional bodies offer additional protection against external aggression as the potential aggressor might