‘Regions’ and their study: wherefrom, what for and whereto?

Abstract

Long a focal point in the study of Geography, regions have become a major concern of International Relations, and for some even its essence. Principle definitions and approaches, however, remain contested, as do the contexts in which and how they matter, from economic to security. This article examines contested views on what constitutes a region and on the nature and functioning of regional architecture, drawing from thematic and case-specific literature to indicate the expanse of analytical enquiry. These include the roles and interpretations of geography, identity, culture, institutionalisation, and the role of actors, including a hegemon, major regional powers and others actors from within a region, both state and societal. A final section indicates additional areas for future research.

Notions of border in regionalism theory and praxis: a critical overview

“…Many authors (Fawn, 2009;Burki, 2011;Strange, 2014;Söderbaum, 2016;Vivares, 2018) concur that in face of such intricate matters, state and non-state actors have chosen to use regionalism as a preponderant means to assure their own existence and/or to take advantage of new possibilities that the global systems provide. The centrality of regions in offering solutions to the contradictions of this century's global relations -(inter)nationalism and globalism, states and markets, security and insecurity -is the core of comparative regionalism theory (Katzenstein, 2005).…”

Foregrounding the region

“…It has become practically axiomatic in the social science literature to note how 'the region is back' in both academia and wider societal life -in spite of contrasting tendencies related to globalization and all kinds of flows and networks (Entrikin, 2008;Fawn, 2009;Harrison, 2008;Keating, 2004). Debates on the differences between specific regions and the justification of regional divisions have not been merely academic exercises.…”

The Nature and Role of Regional Agreements in International Environmental Politics: Mapping Agreements, Outlining Future Research

“…The relative dearth of work on regional environmental cooperation persists despite renewed interest in regional politics among international relations (IR) scholars -for instance, under the guise of the "new regionalism" (Acharya and Johnston 2007;Breslin et al 2002;Hurrell 2007;Fawn 2009). In IR and international political economy (IPE), this interest has been driven by historical developments such as the end of the Cold War and accelerated regional economic integration in Europe and elsewhere.…”