Regionalism and the EU - Paper 3 Flashcards
What is Regionalism?
the movement of states in a region coming together to combine knowledge and power for mutual benefit in specific areas like economics, health, security, and technology.
Name five important regional organisations.
- European Union (EU)
- African Union (AU)
- Arab League
- US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA)
- Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
What is Economic Regionalism?
focuses on trade and improving economic opportunities. Examples include free trade areas, customs unions, and common markets.
What is a Free Trade Area?
A Free Trade Area eliminates barriers and tariffs between member states.
What is a Customs Union?
A Customs Union eliminates barriers and tariffs between members and applies common tariffs to goods from outside the union.
What is a Common Market?
a customs union with free movement of goods and capital (money) among member states.
What is Security Regionalism?
involves increasing the military power and protection of member states, often against a common threat.
Example of Security Regionalism?
ASEAN, where members focused on protecting themselves against communism.
What is Political Regionalism?
involves cooperation among states with shared values, leading to growing soft power.
example of Political Regionalism?
African Union (AU), where members strive for peace and represent Africa on the international stage.
Regionalism vs Globalisation
Regionalism often focuses on local or regional cooperation, while globalisation refers to worldwide interdependence.
What is the Impact of Regionalism on State Sovereignty?
Regionalism can impact state sovereignty by requiring member states to share some decision-making power with regional organisations.
USMCA (formerly NAFTA) - Origin
Created in 1994 by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, it replaced NAFTA in 2018 after renegotiations led by President Donald Trump.
USMCA - Aims
To eliminate tariffs and barriers to trade between the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
USMCA - Successes
Trade among members has tripled, and side agreements like the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) were established.
USMCA - Failures
Controversy over higher production costs, higher wages, and new tariffs that increased inspection costs.
African Union (AU) - Origin
The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was formed in 1963, replaced by the AU in 2002 with 55 members.
African Union (AU) - Aims
To promote peace, stability, democracy, and solidarity among African states
African Union (AU) - Successes
Focus shifted from liberation to development. It has deployed forces for peacekeeping in countries like Sudan and Somalia.
African Union (AU) - Failures
Limited integration due to financial constraints, autocratic member states, and disagreements on Libya.
