WORLD OR
REGIONS:
ASIAN
REGIONALISM
LESSON OUTLINE
• Regionalism versus Globalization • Liberalism
• Globalization as External to Regions • Constructivism
• The Symbiotic Relationship Of
Globalization and Regions • Understanding Integration Beyond
Mainstream Perspectives
• Regionalism: An alternative to Globalization • Responding to the Challenges of
Globalization and Regionalization
• Factors Affecting Asian Integration • Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Realism • Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Analyze how
Identify the
Differentiate Asian states
factors leading
regionalization confront the
to greater
from challenges of
integration of globalization
globalization;
the Asian and
region;and regionalization
INTRODUCTION
Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty
and the test of our civilization.
- Mahatma Gandhi
(as cited in Blue Mountain Arts, 2007, p. 34)
Gandhi's statement can be applied to understanding personal
relationships and regional interactions. Regions are units or zones based
on shared traits, smaller than the international system but larger than
individual states or non-state units. Definiting a specific region is
debated, with no overall consensus. For example, the European Union is
often considered the benchmark for regional integration, but
understanding Asian regionalism is not an easy task due to its fluidity
and diversity.
That is how Kimura (2014)
Regionalism defined globalization:
worldwide integration across
versus
economic, political, social, and
cultural lines. Fawcett (2005),
Globalization
on the other hand, defined
regionalization as a process
where activities concentrate at
a regional level like trade,
ideas, and conflict without state
intervention.
Regionalism is another related term that
connotes cooperation between states and
non-state actors within a certain region, for
instance, ASEAN organization.". This is what
sets regionalism apart from regionalization,
which does not take into account the
functions of the state. Yet, in practice,
regionalism and regionalization blur easily to
create a spurious distinction. Weatherbee
(2009) writes that regionalism is the
"integrated concept" through which different
groups in Southeast Asia relate into a
framework expressed through ASEAN.
The externalist perspective on
globalization argues that it is a process
Globalization as driven by powerful countries like the
External to United States and Europe, spreading
their political and technological
Regions advancements to developing nations.
For example, the Internet, originating
from the West, has transformed the
lives of people in developing countries,
enabling long-distance
communication, online transactions,
and job creation. However, this
technological advancement has also
facilitated issues like child
pornography.
Externalists see globalization as a threat to indigenous
cultures and local economies, particularly in terms of
language dominance and political democratization. Asian
leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Mahathir Mohamad
oppose Western-style democracy, advocating for
communal welfare over individual rights, sparking the
Asian Values Debate. This debate questions the
compatibility of democracy with Asian societies' values.
The Symbiotic Relationship
Of Globalization and Regions
Globalization influences regions, but the reverse
is also true: regions can influence globalization.
For example, ASEAN member-states seek
economic ties with non-regional partners while
maintaining protectionist policies. ASEAN's
consensus decision-making process differs from
majority votes, originating from Indonesia's
Musyawarah concept.
This system allows members to veto decisions
perceived as against their interests, hindering
unified action. Critics argue this hampers
ASEAN's ability to address regional challenges
effectively. Interestingly, ASEAN's approach has
influenced APEC to adopt a similar consensus
model, showcasing its impact beyond the
regional level and highlighting the effectiveness of
the ASEAN Way in decision-making.
Regionalism is seen as an alternative
to Western-led globalization. An early
Regionalism: example is Japan's integration initiative
during World War II, aiming to
An Alternative to challenge Western dominance in Asia.
The Cold War period saw anti-colonial
Globalization sentiments leading to the development
of non-alignment principles by
countries like India. After the 1997
Asian Financial Crisis, the formation of
ASEAN Plus Three (China, South Korea,
Japan) stemmed from dissatisfaction
with the unregulated global financial
system and anti-American sentiments.
Factors Affecting
Asian Integration
Asia's diversity rules out a single
perspective on regionalism. Realism,
liberalism, and constructivism will be
explored in relation to Asian
integration. Various integration
theories will be discussed.
Realism
Weatherbee (2009) identified realism's main pillars as
the sovereign state, national self-interest, and power,
with security interest at its core. Realist theory
emphasizes state independence and territorial integrity
for security. Nations resort to alliances and balance of
power to ensure security. ASEAN was established in
1967 by Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and
Indonesia to avoid superpower rivalry.
ASEAN's expansion included
Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar,
and Cambodia. ASEAN Regional
Forum (ARF) was created for
security cooperation, stemming
from concerns about Japanese
and Chinese military power after
the end of the Cold War. ASEAN
and ARF aim to safeguard
member states' independence
and security, not to set rules but to
facilitate coordination.
Liberalism
Liberalism, including functionalist and
regime theories, provides a framework for
understanding regional integration.
Functionalism suggests that interactions in
areas like trade can lead to broader
governance issues, such as security,
fostering regional integration. Regime
theory posits that states, driven by self-
interest, adhere to the obligations of the
regime.
Constructivism
Constructivists believe communities are shaped by
shared norms, knowledge, and culture, influencing
foreign affairs. The ASEAN Way exemplifies
constructivism, particularly the concept of
Musjawarah, involving consensus-based decision-
making. Musjawarah is considered essential in the
ASEAN decision-making process, reflecting a
collective identity among member states.
Understanding Integration Beyond
Mainstream Perspectives
Understanding Integration Beyond Mainstream
Perspectives. Constructivism emphasizes knowledge
and culture, offering insights into regionalism. Farrell
(2005) questions the euro-centric approach, while
Acharya (2014) advocates for a global perspective in
International Relations to explore diverse integration
processes.
Responding to the Challenges of
Globalization and Regionalization
Addressing Globalization and Regionalization
Challenges in Asia involves upholding
sovereignty amidst international and regional
organizations. The roles of ASEAN and APEC
will be explored as examples.
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations( ASEAN)
The ASEAN Way has helped Southeast Asian countries handle
globalization and regionalism. Through mechanisms like the ASEAN
Regional Forum and ASEAN Plus Three, member states have
influenced external actors and recognized the effectiveness of the
ASEAN Way. The approach has prevented countries from being
pressured into security matters. Additionally, it has allowed countries to
maintain autonomy, as seen in the creation of the ASEAN
Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), which, due
to the ASEAN Way, is unable to hold governments accountable for
human rights violations as per the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC)
APEC is linked to ASEAN with overlapping
membership. ASEAN members were interested
in US involvement for economic liberalization
and influence.
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