Explain the driving forces behind regional integration and co-operation
A tendency towards regional integration and co-operation has been increasingly evident since the 1990’s, with the EU serving as the most advanced example worldwide, but with other examples including regional economic blocs such as NAFTA and ASEAN and regional political blocs such as the African Union. The types of regional organisation range from loose and non-binding agreements amongst states to complex institutional arrangements, as found in the EU.
Although the driving forces for more regional integration and co-operation vary across different continents, regionalism as a global phenomenon has been a response to a number of wider developments. The deepest of these is a recognition of growing interdependence and the rise of globalisation. The most significant impetus towards international regionalism has undoubtedly been economic, reflecting the declining effectiveness of the nation-state as an independent economic entity. Regional economic blocs facilitate trade and economic specialisation amongst states, also giving them access to larger markets. Most such blocs have come into existence since 1990 and have been a response to economic globalisation. Usually, regional blocs help to manage the integration of their regions into the global economy, while also fostering internal cooperation. In cases such as the Council of Europe, the African Union and the Organisation of American States, regional bodies provide a looser foundation for political co-operation, having little or no economic role.
A tendency towards regional integration and co-operation has been increasingly evident since the 1990’s, with the EU serving as the most advanced example worldwide, but with other examples including regional economic blocs such as NAFTA and ASEAN and regional political blocs such as the African Union. The types of regional organisation range from loose and non-binding agreements amongst states to complex institutional arrangements, as found in the EU.
Although the driving forces for more regional integration and co-operation vary across different continents, regionalism as a global phenomenon has been a response to a number of wider developments. The deepest of these is a recognition of growing interdependence and the rise of globalisation. The most significant impetus towards international regionalism has undoubtedly been economic, reflecting the declining effectiveness of the nation-state as an independent economic entity. Regional economic blocs facilitate trade and economic specialisation amongst states, also giving them access to larger markets. Most such blocs have come into existence since 1990 and have been a response to economic globalisation. Usually, regional blocs help to manage the integration of their regions into the global economy, while also fostering internal cooperation. In cases such as the Council of Europe, the African Union and the Organisation of American States, regional bodies provide a looser foundation for political co-operation, having little or no economic role.