Drivers of Integration and Regionalism in Europe and Asia: Comparative Perspectives

This book examines the drivers of regionalism and integration in both Europe and Asia and seeks to forge comparative perspectives between the two regions.

Comprising contributions from scholars, analysts and policymakers, this volume explores and debates how and why regional bodies such as the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are formed and sustained. Furthermore, it examines the drivers of, and impediments to, regionalism and integration. The debates regarding what and who constitute drivers are presented in a fresh, thematic and comprehensive manner. Leadership and core states are also critically examined, whilst material, ideational and normative factors are all assessed comparatively. Significantly, in light of the global financial crisis, the book considers the role of crisis as a driver of regionalism and integration.

This book will be of interest to students, scholars and policymakers interested in Asian and European politics and comparative politics.

Louis Brennan is Professor in the School of Business and Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin. Until recently he was the Director of the Institute for International Integration Studies.

Philomena Murray is Professor and Jean Monnet Chair ad personam in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne, where she is also Research Director on Regional Governance in the EU Centre on Shared Complex Challenges.