Admas University

Global Trends
Indivisual Assignment

Name：Daniel Teshome

Class：CS2

Id Number : 1156/23

Group : Six

Submitted To：Getachew Belete

Due Date：25/01/2024
 Introduction
Regional integration is when countries in a region work together to
solve common problems and improve their economies. There are
two main theories of regional integration: functionalism and neo-
functionalism.

Functionalism says that countries are more likely to work together

when they have similar problems and goals. For example, countries
in a region might work together to build a new highway or to create
a free trade zone.
Neo-functionalism says that regional integration is a political
process. It argues that when countries work together to solve one
problem, it makes them more likely to work together to solve other
problems. For example, if countries in a region work together to
build a new highway, they might also start working together to
create a common market.
Examples of Regional Integration
There are many examples of regional integration around the world.
Some of the most well-known examples include: The European
Union (EU) ,The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ,
and The African Union (AU)

Regionalization and Globalization

Regional integration is often seen as a response to globalization.

Globalization is the process of countries becoming more
interconnected and interdependent. Some people believe that
regional integration can help countries to compete in the global
economy. Others believe that regional integration can help to protect
countries from the negative effects of globalization.

The relationship between regionalization and globalization is

complex and ever-changing. It is likely to continue to be a major
topic of debate in the years to come.

Global Trends Assignment 1

 Theories of Regional Integration
A. Functionalism :

Functionalism is a theory of regionalism that tries to explain

the role of cooperation between countries in solving common
issues. It believes that regionalism is the best or the most
effective ways of solving these problems, and that it can lead to
a gradual process of integration, known as spillover : where
cooperation in one area fosters collaboration in another.

B. Neo-Functionalism :

Neo-functionalism is a theory of regional integration that

emerged in the 1960s , based on the key works of Ernst Haas
and Leon Lindbergh. It is a unique and independent theoretical
framework, clearly distinct from transactionalism, federalism,
and functionalism. Neo-functionalists view integration not as a
static state but as a dynamic process driven by political
agency.The end result of this process is a new political
community, laid over the preexisting ones. Building on
functionalism .

C. Selected Cases Of Regional Integration's:

Regional integration has taken diverse paths across the world,

largely influenced by developments in Europe. Three notable
cases of regional integration are The European Union (EU) is a
regional integration organization that has evolved from a
common market to a political union.The Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional integration
organization that has been successful in promoting economic
cooperation and security in Southeast Asia. The African Union
(AU) is a regional integration organization that aims to promote
peace, security, and economic development in Africa.
 Regionalization Versus Globalization And State

A. Convergence -Regionalism as a Component of

Globalization:

Regionalism is described as a significant force within the

processes of globalization. If globalization is seen as the
compression of temporal and spatial aspects of social relations,
regionalism is presented as a component or a chapter of
globalization. Convergence is the process where countries tends
to become similar to one another it could be economically ,
politically and socially. Trade, migration and technology could
be the driving force that .Convergence can be driven by a
number of factors, including trade, migration, and technology
transfer.
B. Divergence- Regionalization as a Challenge or
Response to Globalization:

Regionalism can be seen as a challenge or response to

globalization, as it can be motivated by nationalistic or
humanistic concerns. Divergence is the process by which
countries become more different from each other. This can also
occur in a number of different areas, such as economic
development, political institutions, and social norms.
Divergence can be driven by a number of factors, including
conflict, nationalism, and geographical isolation.
C. Overlap :

Regionalization and globalization might act as parallel or

overlapping processes, as seen in the coexistence of
regionalization and globalization in the world economy and the
international security arena.Overlap occurs when
regionalization and globalization interact in a way that produces
both convergence and divergence. For example, the European
Union (EU) has both promoted convergence among its member
states and divergence between the EU and the rest of the world.
 Summary of Theories of Regional Integration and
Regionalization versus Globalization and State

Theories of Regional Integration

Functionalism: Highlight the role of cooperation among

states in solving common problems.
Neo-functionalism: Defines integration as a process, rather
than a condition, and emphasizes the role of political agency in
the integration process.
Selected Cases of Regional Integration: Regional
integration has followed divergent trajectories, but has been
mainly influenced by the development in Europe. Notable cases
include the European Union (EU), Association of Southeast
Asian States (ASEAN), and African Union (AU).

Regionalization versus Globalization and State

Convergence: The process by which countries become more

similar to each other.
Divergence: The process by which countries become more
different from each other.
Overlap: Occurs when regionalization and globalization
interact in a way that produces both convergence and
divergence.
Regionalization: is the process of countries in a particular
region coming together to cooperate and integrate their
economies, politics, and cultures. This can be done through the
creation of free trade agreements, common markets, or even
political unions.
Globalization: is the process of increasing interconnectedness
and interdependence between countries around the world. This
is driven by factors such as advances in transportation and
communication technology, the growth of multinational
corporations, and the spread of global trade.
 References

1. Baldwin, Richard E. "The Economics of Globalization."

Cambridge University Press, 2016.
2. Blainey, Geoffrey. "The Causes of War." Simon and Schuster,
1988.
3. Cerny, Philip G. "The Politics of Regional Integration."
Edward Elgar Publishing, 2014.
4. Haas, Ernst B. "The Uniting of Europe: Political, Social, and
Economic Forces, 1950-1957." Stanford University Press, 1958.
5. Keohane, Robert O., and Joseph S. Nye. "Power and
Interdependence." Longman, 1977.
6. Moravcsik, Andrew. "The Choice for Europe: Social Purpose
and State Power from Messina to Maastricht." Cornell
University Press, 1998.
7. Ohmae, Kenichi. "The Borderless World: Power and Strategy
in the Interlinked Economy." HarperCollins, 1990.

Global Trends Assignment 5