What is new regionalism

New Regionalism is a theoretical framework in international relations that emerged in the 1990s to describe the changing nature of regionalism in the post-Cold War era. It is characterized by a shift away from traditional notions of regionalism, which were often based on economic integration and cooperation among neighboring countries, towards a more complex and multifaceted approach that incorporates a broader range of issues and actors.

The key features of New Regionalism include:

1. Widening of regionalism: New Regionalism encompasses a broader range of issues beyond traditional economic integration, such as politics, security, culture, and environmental concerns.
2. Deepening of regionalism: Regional organizations and agreements are becoming more institutionalized and formalized, with a greater emphasis on cooperation and coordination among member states.
3. Non-state actors: New Regionalism recognizes the increasing role of non-state actors, such as civil society organizations, private companies, and international organizations, in regional affairs.
4. Regionalization: New Regionalism emphasizes the importance of regionalization, which refers to the process of creating regional identities, norms, and institutions that transcend national borders.
5. Inter-regionalism: New Regionalism also highlights the growing importance of inter-regional relations, where regions interact and cooperate with each other across borders.

Some of the key drivers of New Regionalism include:

1. Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world economy and the rise of globalization have created new opportunities for regional cooperation and integration.
2. Regionalization: The growing sense of regional identity and the desire for regional autonomy have led to the emergence of new regional organizations and agreements.
3. Security concerns: The end of the Cold War and the rise of new security threats, such as terrorism and organized crime, have created a need for regional cooperation on security issues.
4. Economic integration: The desire for economic integration and cooperation has driven the creation of new regional trade agreements and organizations.

Examples of New Regionalism include:

1. The European Union: The EU is a prime example of New Regionalism, with its emphasis on deepening integration, widening membership, and promoting regional identity.
2. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): ASEAN is another example of New Regionalism, with its focus on regionalization, inter-regionalism, and cooperation on a range of issues, including security and economic integration.
3. The Mercosur: Mercosur is a regional organization in South America that has expanded its scope beyond traditional economic integration to include issues such as politics, security, and environmental cooperation.
4. The African Union: The African Union is a regional organization that has adopted a New Regionalism approach, with a focus on regionalization, inter-regionalism, and cooperation on a range of issues, including security, economic integration, and human rights.

Overall, New Regionalism represents a significant shift in the way regions interact and cooperate, and has the potential to shape the future of international relations and global governance.