Comparative Regional Systems: West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Developing Countries is a comparative study of regional systems, namely, West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and developing countries. This book examines the patterned and unpatterned forms of international activity through which states relate to the most important entities in world politics: their neighbors. The cooperative and conflictual behavior in international politics occurring within regional contexts is discussed, with emphasis on the sources and forms of this behavior as well as the issues that contribute to it and those that it creates. This monograph is comprised of 15 chapters and opens with an analysis of clusters of variables that form linked patterns within each international region, paying particular attention to the developmental issues that appear to be posed in the various regions of world politics. The following chapters focus on social-psychological factors in regional politics; regional patterns of economic cooperation; political change in regional systems; patterns of transregional relations; and interactions between regional organizations in various parts of the world and the global system that may affect either the operation of the latter or influence actions and functions of the former. The final chapter examines the problems and pitfalls of regional integration theories, along with their inability to "scientifically" predict the pathways of regional development. This text is designed to assist students, professionals, and the general public interested in international relations.

At a time of extraordinary challenges confronting the world, this book analyses some of the profound changes occurring in the development of cities and regions. It discusses the uncertainties associated with the stalling of hyper-globalization and asks whether this creates opportunities for resurgent regional economies driven by local capabilities, resource efficiencies and domestic production. Theory and evidence on socio-economic and environmental transitions underway in many regions are brought together. Implications of the shifting balance of global power towards emerging economies in the East are explored, along with the consequences of urbanization in the global South for politics and democracy. Dilemmas surrounding migration are also discussed, including whether incomers displace local workers and depress wages, or bring benefits in the form of know-how, new technology and investment. More integrative concepts of the region and theories of regional development are analysed, recognising the role of human capital, knowledge, innovation, finance, infrastructure and institutions. This was originally published as a special issue of Regional Studies.

This timely book presents fresh, forward-looking analyses of key regions across the globe. Tracking politico-economic trajectories, the contributors chart the resulting power dynamics likely to shape relationships within each region, offering a crucial guide to patterns of cooperation, conflict, and domination over the coming decades.

There are two main energy challenges: tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions; and ensuring clean and affordable energy as the country becomes increasingly dependent on imported fuel. These challenges have to be met against the backdrop of rising fossil fuel prices; slower than anticipated liberalisation of the EU energy markets; heightened awareness of the risk arising from remaining oil and gas reserves being concentrated in a few geographical regions; and a need for substantial new investment in power stations, the electricity grid and gas infrastructure. This White Paper sets out the Governments international and domestic strategy to address these challenges and ways to implement the Energy Review of 2006 and the 2006 Pre-Budget Report. There is a separate consultation document on nuclear power.