Regional Integration

Question 1

What does Hurrell’s article, ‘Explaining the resurgence of regionalism in world politics’, seek to explore?

Answer 1

The article explores the recent increase in regionalism in global politics.

More specifically, the various definitions of regionalism, the types of regionalism and its dynamics

Question 2

What does Hurrell say about organisations and its relationship to the resurgence of regionalism?

Answer 2

Old organisations are being revived and new ones are being formed to promote regional integration.

Question 3

Name one micro organisation and one macro organisation mentioned in Hurrell’s article

Answer 3

1. Micro: Mercosaur (South American trade bloc - regional economic integration
2. Macro: Organisation of African Unity (African organisation for regional political integration)

Question 4

How does Hurrell define ‘Regionalism’?

Answer 4

Hurrell points out that definitions of integration are unclear and involve not just geography, but also economic, social, political, cultural, and historical factors.

Question 5

What are the 5 varieties of regionalism that Hurrell explores?

Answer 5

1. Regionalisation
2. Regional Awareness and Identity
3. Regional Inter-state cooperation
4. State promoted Regional Economic Integration
5. Regional cohesion

Question 6

What is regionalisation?

Answer 6

This refers to increasing integration within a region through economic and social connections, including trade, investment, movement of people, exchange of ideas, and the growth of cross-border communities.

Question 7

What is regional awareness and identity?

Answer 7

This involves a shared perception of belonging to a particular community, based on common culture, history, or opposition to an external “other”

Question 8

What is regional inter-state cooperation?

Answer 8

Formal or informal greements between states/govts to solve shared challenges, improve welfare, etc

Question 9

What is State-promoted Regional Economic Integration?

Answer 9

This involves government policies designed to reduce barriers to trade, services, capital, and people.

Question 10

What is regional cohesion?

Answer 10

This refers to the emergence of a cohesive regional unit (supranational organisation or hegemon) that plays a defining role in relations within the region and between the region and the rest of the world.

Question 11

Hurrell explores three types of theoretical theories to understand regionalism. What are they?

Answer 11

1. Systemic theories
   Looking at political economic structures of regionalism
   Includes Neorealism and Structural Interdependence and Globalisation
2. Regional Interdependence Theories
   Linking regionalism and regional interdependence
   Includes Neofunctionalism, Neoliberal institutionalism, and Constructivism
3. Domestic level theories
   Understanding the role of shared domestic attributes
   Includes State coherence, regime type (democracy) and convergence theories

Question 12

What does Hurrell conclude about the different levels of analysis?

Answer 12

All levels, systemic, regional and domestic, are needed to understand regionalism.

One level is primary and that other levels explain residual variance
The different interactions of different logics
A phased approach

Question 13

What does Hurrell conclude about regionalism when approached from a systemic perspective?

Answer 13

Hurrell concludes that from a systemic perspective, regionalism is influenced by broader global factors.

According to neorealism, regionalism is a response to external threats and competition, often seen as a way for states to protect themselves or balance against a regional power.

On the other hand, structural interdependence and globalization highlight how increasing economic and technological connections between states can both encourage and limit regionalism, as states become more intertwined and dependent on each other.

Question 14

What does Hurrell conclude about regionalism when approached from a regional interdependence perspective?

Answer 14

Hurrell concludes that from a regional interdependence perspective, regionalism is driven by cooperation and mutual benefit within the region.

Neofunctionalism suggests that growing interdependence leads to more cooperation, eventually leading to political integration.

Neoliberal institutionalism emphasizes the role of institutions in solving collective problems and facilitating cooperation, making it easier for states to work together.

Constructivism focuses on how shared identities and mutual understanding among states lead to stronger regional cooperation and a sense of community.

Question 15

What does Hurrell conclude about regionalism when approached from a domestic level perspective?

Answer 15

Hurrell concludes that from a domestic-level perspective, regionalism depends on the strength and stability of the states involved.

State coherence is important for cooperation, as strong, viable states are more likely to engage in regional efforts.

Regime type and democratization also play a role, as democracies are more likely to cooperate with each other due to the idea of democratic peace.

Convergence theories suggest that regional cooperation occurs when states in the region share similar domestic policy preferences

Question 16

What does Puchala’s article “Integration theory and the Study of International Relations” argue?

Answer 16

It argues that despite its challenges, integration theory remains relevant for understanding contemporary international relations, particularly in the context of regionalism and the possibilities of cooperation and conflict.

It also examines the challenges and critiques that have arisen in the study of integration, particularly focusing on the work of Karl Deutsch.

Question 17

What was the evolution of Integration theory according to Puchala?

Answer 17

Integration theory evolved from becoming a central focus after WW2 to being marginal by the 1970s due to debates about its status.

Question 18

What critiques does Puchala have about early Integration theory?

Answer 18

He argues that early integration theory was often too focused on formalizing theoretical approaches and was often detached from empirical observation, and too focused on Europe at the expense of other regions

Question 19

What does Puchala say is the main contribution of Karl Deutsch to the study of integration?

Answer 19

Deutsch’s main contribution was identifying the conditions for integration to occur, instead of assuming it would happen

Question 20

What were the main conditions that Deutsch outlined for integration to happen

Answer 20

1. Mutual responsiveness: Actors must be able to respond to each other, communicate, and understand each other’s needs.
2. Core areas: Regions with significant resources, power, and economic strength that can attract others.
3. Pluralistic security community: A peaceful environment where violence is not expected.
4. Compatibility of values: Agreement on basic values, goals, and purposes.
5. Predictability of behavior: The ability to understand and anticipate others’ actions.
6. Increased communication: More interactions to promote understanding and cooperation.
7. Shared identity: A sense of belonging to the same community.
8. Processing shared experiences: The ability to learn and grow from common experiences.

Deutsch’s work stresses the importance of communication, shared values, and mutual responsiveness for integration to succeed. It’s a gradual process that requires ongoing effort.

Question 21

What critiques does Puchala have on Deutsch’s work?

Answer 21

1. Difficulty in measuring, defining and categorising some of his concepts
2. Overemphasis on measurable metrics could overlook larger political contexts and processes
3. Possible irrelavance after the cold war period

Question 22

What normative conclusion did Puchala state at the end of his article?

Answer 22

The article concludes by noting that there should be more effort to integrate empirical research with theoretical insights.