Regionalism: Old and New

In: International studies review, Band 5, Heft 1, S. 25-51

Abstract

This review of recent literature on political, economic, & cultural regionalism shows that this area of inquiry has become increasingly fragmented not only as a result of debates between the protagonists of methodological approaches but also because of underlying changes in international relations. Traditional views concerning the state-centric regional system are being challenged by the concentration of political & military power at the top as well as by transnational networks built around economic ties & cultural identities. Early post-Cold War expectations that regions & regional concerts would form the foundation for a new international order have proven untenable. Instead, regions appear to arise either through the dissemination of various transactions & externalities or as protection against the hegemony of capitalist globalization & great-power politics. Older conceptions of regionalism need to be redefined & reintegrated into current international relations theories. 155 References. Adapted from the source document.