What is a primary benefit of the cooperation promoted by the African Union?

The primary benefit of the cooperation promoted by the African Union is increased stability and peace in the region. The African Union was established with the goal of fostering unity and cooperation among African nations, which is essential for addressing the continent's diverse challenges, including conflicts, governance issues, and socio-economic development. By promoting dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution among member states, the African Union strives to prevent and resolve conflicts, thus contributing to a more stable and peaceful environment across Africa.

This emphasis on stability and peace is particularly vital given the historical context of political instability and conflict in various parts of the continent. The AU's peacekeeping missions, conflict resolution initiatives, and support for democratic processes all work towards enhancing security and reducing the likelihood of wars and violence, thereby benefiting both individual states and the region as a whole.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary focus of the African Union's efforts. For instance, while reduced travel costs may be a side benefit of regional cooperation, it is not the main goal. Similarly, while the AU encourages economic collaboration, the idea of complete economic independence contradicts the premise of cooperation. Finally, standardizing military policies is a more specific aspect of a broader aim of fostering peace and security, rather than a primary benefit