Rethinking Regionalism Beyond European Integration

ABSTRACT
The post-Cold War era has witnessed a notable proliferation of regional organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This “new regionalism” wave stands distinct from the process of European integration following World War II, as it is characterized by its expanding scope, diverse nature, fluidity, and heterogeneity. Traditional Eurocentric theories of economic integration, which presumed the establishment of supranational institutions, possess limited applicability when regionalism evolves as an intergovernmental endeavor among sovereign states. Consequently, the prevailing notion of Europe as a model for regional integration worldwide is challenged by this regional trend. This article aims to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the phenomenon of “new regionalism” that is compatible with the socio-economic and political realities of developing countries, particularly considering their reluctance to compromise political sovereignty. It begins by examining the evolution of Eurocentric theories of economic integration and underscores their limitations in the context of the developing world. The concluding section presents a theoretical framework that extends beyond Europe for comprehending regionalism.