Regionalism and Global Politics : European Union as an example.

The European Union faces challenges in regionalism and international politics due to the complexities of its interactions with other regions (Scazzieri, 2023). The EU's policy model, based on economic determinism and financial market anticipation, was shaken by the crisis, highlighting its inability to counter crises effectively (Sindzingre, 2012). Additionally, the EU's response to regional issues like the African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) countries through Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) has faced obstacles due to discrepancies between goals and outcomes, as well as structural constraints in poorer regions like Sub-Saharan Africa (Orpo, 2018). Furthermore, the EU's foreign policy has been questioned by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts such as Russia's actions in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of security and policy responses (Віткова, 2019) These challenges underscore the necessity for the EU to navigate regional complexities while preserving its model in a rapidly evolving international landscape.

1. Regionalism and Global Politics European Union as an example Rebin Siyamand Mola Supervised: Dr.Emran 2023/2024 2 ND MA Semester

2. Key Issues What is regionalism, and what are the main forms it has taken? Types of Regionalism Why regionalism? What is the relationship between regionalism and Globalization? Regionalism in the World What is the European Union and European Integration EU main bodies Europe and the World EU Crisis Conclusion

3. What is Regionalism, and its main faces? Regionalism is the theory or practice of coordinating social, economic, or political activities within a geographical region including several states. That serves as the basis for cooperation and, possibly, identity .

4. Regionalism’s Main Faces and Nature of Regionalism Decentralization that happens within countries such as Federalism . Transnational rather than sub-national: refers to a process of cooperation or integration between countries in the same region of the world . Nature of Regionalism All forms of regionalism share a common fundamental dynamic. In the context of transnational regionalism, centralization can foster state formation, whereas decentralization may arise as a consequence.

5. Types of Regionalism It takes different forms and depending on the areas in which neighboring states choose to cooperate: Economic Security Political

6. Economics Creation of greater economic opportunities through cooperation among states in the same geographical region. The primary form of regional integration. It was the period of the 1990s when the movement of economic regions peaked through the growth of regional trade blocs and the deepening of existing trade blocs. Fact: As of Feb. 2010, there are already 462 Regional Trade Agreements have been listed under the WTO. RTAs usually result in the creation of a free trade area. However, in other cases, they also establish customs unions or common markets.

7. Security Refers to cooperation designed to protect states from their enemies, both neighboring and distant ones . Karl Deutsch: “Security Community ” Regional organizations aim to foster peace among their member states by promoting cooperation and integration, particularly in economic areas, to such an extent that the prospect of war between member states becomes unimaginable. Desire to gain protection against a common external enemy.

8. Politics Refers to attempts by states in the same area to strengthen or protect shared values, thereby enhancing their image, and reputation and then gaining a more powerful diplomatic voice . Example: The Arab League in 1945

9. Why Regionalism? For a comprehensive understanding of the emergence of regionalism, it's essential to examine three theoretical approaches that offer valuable insights into this phenomenon . Federalism , Functionalism , Neo-functionalism

10. Federalism It is the earliest theory of regionalism being advocated from the eighteenth century onwards by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Jean-Jacques Rousseau . Drawing inspiration from its use in domestic politics as a device for reconciling tensions between the center and the periphery ( outside ). As an explanation for regional or international cooperation, federalism relies on a process of conscious decision-making by the political elites . The attraction of international federations is that they appear to offer a solution t o the widespread problems of the state system. Despite its vision of shared sovereignty for unity, federalism has primarily impacted European integration due to ambitious goals and limited support outside political and intellectual circles.

11. Functionalism The key idea of functionalism is expressed in David Mitrany’s (1966) formulation : ‘form follows function’. In this view, cooperation only works when it is focused on specific activities that would be performed more effectively through collective action than by individual states. This, then, creates pressure to construct institutional structures that would facilitate such cooperation in these areas. European integration very clearly followed a functionalist path , as it tended to focus on the promotion of economic cooperation, seen by states as the least controversial but most necessary form of integration.

12. Neo-functionalism In the writings in particular of Haas (1964), neo-functionalism recognizes the limitations of the traditional functionalist idea that integration is largely determined by a recognition of growing interdependence in economic and other areas. Instead, it places greater emphasis on the interplay between economics and politics. From this Functional cooperation tends to produce transnational constituencies of advocates for still closer cooperation, creating a dynamic that leads to wider political integration. This process is known as spillover .

13. Regionalism and Globalization Does the advance of regionalism threaten global order and stability? Yes Regional Egoism : Regionalism replaces state power struggles with regional ones, potentially leading to aggressive behavior as regions prioritize their own interests. Cultural Conflict : Regional integration based on shared cultural backgrounds may deepen divides with regions holding different values, risking global conflict. Integration Risks : Deeper regional integration can alienate populations, fuel extremism, and exacerbate societal divisions as regional identities clash with national allegiances. No Nationalism Overcomes : Nationalism remains stronger than regionalism, with supranational regionalism largely failing to materialize beyond state cooperation. Global Supremacy : Regional blocs do not hinder globalization but rather necessitate broader inter-regional and global cooperation to address pressing issues like climate change and international security. Limits to Integration : Deep regional integration faces challenges including limited popular support for regional organizations and difficulties in harmonizing economic rules, leading to unsustainable economic arrangements in the long term.

14. Regionalism in the World European Union ( EU ) Association of South-East Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) ( 1967 ) ( security and Trade ) African Union ( AU ) (1992 ) ( ECOWAS ) ( LARGEST SUB REGIONAL ORGANISATION WITH 200 MILLION ) NAFTA in America (1994) ( US, Mexico, and Canada 420 million ) Mercosur of South America

15. What is European Union The successor institution to the ECSC, EEC, EC and EU. It is the most advanced example of regional integration found anywhere in the world. A unique international organization combines intergovernmental and supranational features

16. Historical Circumstances post 1945 Europe : Need for economic reconstruction Peace from Franco-German rivalry Recognition of the ‘ German Problem ’ Desire to safeguard Europe from the threat of Soviet Expansionism. Wish of the US to establish a prosperous and united Europe

17. 2024 Ukraine ?

18. European Integration “The ‘European idea’ broadly the belief that, regardless of historical, cultural and language differences, Europe constitutes a single political community was born long before 1945 .” European Integration provides a model of political organization that would eventually be accepted worldwide as the deficiencies of the nation-state become increasingly apparent .

19. EU main bodies: The European Union has its legislature and executive , as well as an independent judiciary and a central bank . The Council : Comprised of ministers from member states , it makes decisions through unanimous agreement or qualified majority voting. The European Council : Comprising heads of state or government, it meets four times a year to provide strategic leadership for the EU. The European Commission : Headed by a President and Commissioners , it proposes legislation, ensures treaty compliance, and oversees policy implementation. The European Parliament : Composed of directly elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), it scrutinizes legislation and holds significant powers over the EU budget and Commission. The European Court of Justice : Interprets and adjudicates EU law and treaties, ensuring their application across member states. The European Central Bank : Located in Frankfurt, it is responsible for maintaining price stability and overseeing monetary policy for the Eurozone.

20. Europe and the World EU's Evolution : Started with economic focus, now expanding into foreign and defense policy. CFSP Establishment : Created to coordinate member states' foreign policies and enhance EU's global role. CFSP Achievements : Includes peacekeeping missions and diplomatic efforts like negotiations with Iran. Challenges : Limited influence in critical global issues, inconsistent approaches to conflicts. Divergent Member Perspectives : Tensions between states with different foreign policy approaches. Institutional Complexity : Confusion over EU representation on global stage persists. Defense Policy Challenges : Lack of unified military force, funding issues, and equipment standardization. Robust Economic Presence : Strong presence in trade and development assistance globally.

21. EU Crisis Diversity vs. Unity : Enlargement, especially the eastward expansion. Economic Uncertainty : The EU's economic success is not guaranteed, with its share of world trade and production expected to diminish. Eurozone Crisis : The crisis exposed flaws in Eurozone regulation and raised doubts about fiscal responsibility and the single currency's future . Fiscal Rectitude vs. Social Tensions : Calls for fiscal discipline may exacerbate social and political tensions. Implications for Integration : The crisis challenges the idea of deeper integration, potentially leading to a "multispeed" or tiered Europe rather than a cohesive economic and political union.

22. In conclusion Regionalism, the process through which geographic regions become significant political and economic entities, has encouraged theoretical debates on integration motives and mechanisms, notably in Europe where federalism, functionalism, and neo-functionalism have been key theories. 'New ' regionalism, primarily focusing on economic integration via trade blocs, is seen both as a driver of globalization and a defensive measure against global competition . Europe, leading in regional integration efforts, demonstrated by the intricate political structure of the European Union (EU), faces challenges to unity regarding foreign policy, sovereignty, and the sustainability of monetary union.

23. References Andrew Heywood Global Politic page (480 – 501) https :// www.europarl.europa.eu/erpl-app-public/factsheets/pdf-chapter/en/en-chapter-1.pdf EU from ECSC TO EU https:// youtu.be/dBxjdiWYE8s How EU works

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