Regionalism in international affairs

Aiste Zemaityte, I37030

Contents

1. Introduction 2. Regionalism in Americas 3. Regionalism in Africa 4. Regionalism in Asia 5. Regionalism in Europe 6. Interregionalism

1. Introduction

Region consists of “a limited number of states linked by a geographical relationship and by a degree of mutual interdependence” (Nye 1968: vii)

Regionalization is “the growth of societal integration

within a region... The ofthen undirected processes of social and economic interaction” (Hurrell 1995: 39)

Andrew Hurrell’s five elements of regionalism:

1. Regionalization;2. Region awareness and identity;3. Regional interstate cooperation;4. State-promoted regional integration;5. Regional cohesion.

Reasons behind regionalization:

International identity consolidation; Management of independence; Management of internationalization.

Groups of regional organizations:

Micro-regions; Cross-border regions; Sub-regions; Macro-regions.

2. Regionalism in Americas

Former British colonies – United States of America and Canada;

Former Portuguese colonies – Brazil; Former Spanish colonies – efforts to create

union failed.

NAFTA (1994) FTAA (1994)

Regionalism in Latin America

Economic liberalization; A common market and increasing

intra-regional trade.

MERCOSUR (1991) UNASUR (2008)

3. Regionalism in Africa

Weak institutions; Dominance of few countries; Lack of support of the private sector; Weak states and political opposition to

sharing sovereignty.

OAU (1963) and AEC (1994) African Union (2002)

4. Regionalism in Asia

No clear historical identity; Cooperation was built based on

consultation, consensual decision-making, and flexibility.

Principles of mutual respect, non-interference and peaceful settlement of differences.

Regionalism in Asia

SEATO (1954) ASEAN (1967) APEC (1989) AFTA (1992)

5. Regionalism in Europe

Legacy of two World Wars; The European Coal and Steel

Community (1951) Integration leading to the creation of

the European Union.

Historical evolution of European Union:

European Union (EU)

Strong regional institutions; Monetary union; Single market; Close coordination among national

authorities in several economic, political, and social issues;

Actors in different territorial levels: supranational, national, and sub-state.

Theorists approaches to EU

Supranational approach – the main object is supranational institutions;

Intergovernmentalist approach – the main object is state.

6. Interregionalism

The EU is often considered as the “gold standard” of regional integration;

EU external relations: EU relations with MERCOSUR; EU relations with ASEAN; EU relations with African, Caribbean and

Pacific Countries.

Questions:

1. How would you comment a statment that ASEAN "is designed to pursue the narrow self-interests of its member states; the organization is useful to its members at various times, but does not enjoy any special regard as a symbol of regional solidarity.“

2. Do you think it is possible that UK will leave EU? What do you think will happen to Greece? Should it leave

euro-zone?