Why Asian states cooperate in regional arrangements

Asian regionalism in comparative perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID4444723
AuthorsDiana Panke (0000-0002-4434-1478, University of Freiburg, corresponding author), Jürgen Rüland (0000-0002-8885-0207, University of Freiburg)
Year2022
Volume36
Issue3
Pages428-453
Publication date2022-09-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-1178 • E-ISSN: 1741-2862
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00471178211028970
OpenAlexW3189576067
LanguageEN
Citations received7

Regional cooperation in Asia takes place in formal Regional Organizations (ROs) as well as in less formal Regional Fora (RF). In addition, unlike in other parts of the world, Asian regionalism mainly developed in one instead of two waves. Especially after the end of the Cold War, Asian countries created numerous ROs and RF. Over time, Asian states became members of several ROs and RF at the same time, thereby contributing to Asian regime complexity. Given that multiple memberships in regional cooperation agreements can place high demands on diplomatic and financial resources of member states, the fact that Asian states became members in between one and 17 ROs and RF is puzzling. This article investigates why Asian countries join regional cooperation agreements. Based on a theory-guided empirical analysis that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, it argues that hedging and economic interests are the main driving forces behind Asian regionalism and that these motivations are often interlinked

China · Cold war · East Asia · Economic geography · Economics · Geography · International trade · Perspective (graphical) · Political science · Politics · Regionalism (politics) · Global trade and economics · International Business and FDI · International Development and Aid · Law

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