GP- Regionalism & The EU: Regionalism and its different forms Flashcards
What is the definition of “regionalism” according to the text?
A: Regionalism is the process by which states form regional organisations and agreements to work together on shared economic, political and security interests.
Q: What does regionalism provide for nation states in the same region?
A: Regionalism provides a way for nation states in the same region to cooperate, forming political and economic institutions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Q: How do regional organisations vary in their depth of integration?
A: Regional organisations vary in the depth of integration, with some focusing on very narrow objectives and others, such as the European Union (EU), establishing a form of government with significant supranational authority over nation states.
Q: What are the three primary motivations for states forming regional organisations?
A: Economic, security, and political.
Q: What does “economic” motivation involve?
A: This involves facilitating the economic links between neighbouring states in the same region.
Q: How does economic regionalism vary in its scope?
A: It may focus on reducing tariffs on specific goods, as in the case of NAFTA/USMCA (see page 555). However, it can also go much further than this.
Q: What is the most advanced form of economic regionalism mentioned in the text?
A: The European Union (EU).
Q: What has the EU established in terms of economic regionalism?
A: A customs union by abolishing all tariffs between the member states and creating a common external tariff. In addition to this, the EU operates a single market.
Q: What is the EU’s single market based on?
A: The four freedoms, which means that there are no barriers within the EU to the free movement of goods, capital, services and people.
Q: What do nation states in the same region likely share in terms of security?
A: Nation states in the same region are likely to share the same security interests.
Q: What can nation states do by joining regional organisations in terms of security?
A: They can therefore join regional organisations to protect themselves from external threats and manage peacekeeping operations within their zone of influence.
Q: What is an example of a regional organisation engaged in peacekeeping operations?
A: The African Union, for example, has engaged in peacekeeping operations with the UN in Darfur and South Sudan.
Q: What did the EU establish at the Maastricht Treaty (1993) in terms of security?
A: At the Maastricht Treaty (1993) the EU established a common security and defence policy as the EU’s second pillar.
Q: What can nation states establish through political regionalism?
A: As a result of political regionalism, nation states can establish shared political structures that allow them to respond more effectively to collective challenges (Figure 22.1).
Q: How does the EU use its shared political structures in terms of governance?
A: For example, the EU adopts a common approach to many areas of governance which can be legally enforced through the European Court of Justice.
Q: What does political regionalism enable nation states to do in terms of international affairs?
A: Political regionalism also enables nation states, sharing similar political goals, to present a coherent approach to international affairs, so maximising their potential for influence.
Q: What is an example of an organisation that allows member states to present a united front?
A: The Arab League, for example, allows member states to present a more united front in global affairs, especially on issues that involve the Arab world.
Q: What did the Lisbon Treaty (2009) create in terms of EU positions?
A: The Lisbon Treaty (2009) created the permanent positions of EU President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Q: What do these positions provide the EU with in international relations?
A: These positions provide the EU with considerable structural influence in international relations.
Q: What is the definition of “intergovernmentalism”?
A: Intergovernmentalism is decision making in institutions of global and regional governance, which the nation state is free to accept or reject, so protecting its sovereignty.
Q: What is the definition of “federalism”?
A: Federalism is the centralisation of power so that supranational governing institutions can require nation states to act in a certain way, so eroding their sovereignty.
Q: What is the definition of “supranationalism”?
A: Supranationalism is decision making by a higher authority than a nation state, which the nation state must then legally accept.
Q: What is the definition of “sovereignty”?
A: Sovereignty is a nation state’s complete authority and control over everything that occurs within its borders.
Q: What are the characteristics of intergovernmentalism in decision-making?
A: States are the main decision makers. They can put forward proposals and vote on them.
