This book provides a comprehensive overview of developments in East Asian regionalism, combining qualitative evidence with empirical quantitative analysis. It argues that two dominant processes have formed East Asian regionalism: 1) regionalization, and 2) inter-regionalism. Klecha-Tylec examines the differences between traditional and new regionalisms as they apply to East Asia; the differences between East Asian and European regionalism; the role of the United States in shaping regional links; and the evolution of the three key structures of ASEAN, ASEAN+3, and Asia Summits. The book is unique for examining together the network, zonal, and geospatial dimensions of relations in East Asia as they apply at micro-regional, sub-regional, macro-regional, trans-regional and inter-regional levels. The book offers a detailed analysis of intra-regional links and the hybrid relationships between micro-regions and nation-states.

Regional cooperation and integration have emerged as key issues for East Asia following the financial crisis. This book explores these issues, and examines the degree to which a new paradigm is emerging. It reviews the evolution of the concepts and practices of regionalism in East Asia, and considers the factors which are shaping new patterns of regional co-operation and integration. It includes discussions of historical developments, economic co-operation, socio-political factors, and defence and security. It considers the role of those states, including China and Japan, which have distinctive approaches to international relations, and assesses the role of regional international bodies such as ASEAN.

This edited volume looks at regional integration processes in Asia. Whilst integration in the region, defined as Southeast and East Asia, is not a new process, it has gained momentum in recent years. Two developments have acted as catalysts for integration, first at the economic level the Asian crisis of 1997 has been the watershed for most countries in the region. Ever since, there have been continuing search processes for sovereignty-enhancing types of economic policies, and the region is one location where policy-makers look for new avenues to strengthen the position of their countries. The second major development is the continuing rise of China in the region. Today, China is not only the manufacturing powerhouse of the region, but it increasingly functions as a "benign hegemon" in Asia. Integration processes in Asia take place at several levels; in trade, finance and security affairs. This book analyses these dimensions of integration and sheds light on the prospects for successful integration. It investigates the puzzling, sometimes contracting trends of co-operation and integration in Asia. The contributors to this volume look at a theme that is of growing importance to the discipline of political science as much as it is relevant for policy makers. By combing the analysis of the three dimensions of integration, The Evolution of Regionalism in Asia enables readers to gain a broad understanding of the theory and practice of the integration processes.

New regionalism and globalization have been prominent themes in academic and political debates since the beginning of the 1990s. Despite the considerable amount of scholarly attention that the new regionalism has received in recent years, its full empirical and theoretical potential has yet to be fully investigated. This illuminating study provides an overview of new avenues in theorizing regionalism and proposes a consolidated framework for analysis and comparison. Offering a comparative historical perspective of European and Southeast Asian regionalism, it presents new and imaginative insights into the theory and practice of regionalism and the links between regional developments, globalization and international order.

Asian regional integration, which has shown remarkable progress since the end of the 1990s, is at a major crossroads. It faces confusion of and debate over the direction and effectiveness of integration as well as friction brought about by the rise of China. Meanwhile, the changing balance of power among nations, the rise of nonstate actors, the internationalization of internal problems, and the internalization of international problems are rendering the cross-national structure of Asia increasingly complex and multilayered. Signs of instability of the global economy are growing, and environmental and resource challenges are deepening. East Asia needs new approaches to understanding the state of regional integration and mechanisms to address the challenges. Regional Integration in East Asia is the culmination of five years of intensive research on Asian regional integration by Waseda University. It reexamines theoretical approaches to comprehending the actual state of integration in the region and presents the most compelling ones. It also examines the state of cooperation in Asia in areas ranging from the economy to energy and the environment, security, and education. In addition, the book offers long-term historical perspectives, including those of Japan, ASEAN, and China on Asian regional integration. Thus, it sheds light on diverse aspects, levels of analysis, and time spans and offers a comprehensive portrayal of the actual condition of Asia and the state of attempts to build regional cooperation and institutions. This volume will open a new research frontier in Asian regional integration research.

Developments in East Asia have progressed rapidly in terms of regionalism since the 1997 crisis. The end of the Asian miracle called into question not only the capacity of regional states to meet the needs of their attendant peoples, but also challenged the viability of regional organizations, such as ASEAN, to adapt and respond to the changing circumstances. Advancing East Asian Regionalism looks at the ways in which ASEAN has expanded since the crisis, and evaluates the potential of East Asia to come together in a regional formation - one capable of representing the region as a whole - akin to the European Community. It draws upon the knowledge and perspectives of academics and policy makers actively engaged in the contradictory issues of regionalism. Coupling case study material on regionalism, institutions, and sectoral cooperation, with theoretical debates on regionalization, this book is an invaluable resource that pushes our understanding of East Asian regionalism forward.

Textbook on regionalism and its role in a global marketplace, ideal for students of IR and globalisation.