Regionalization in a Globalizing World : A Comparative Perspective on Forms, Actors and Processes

The international system has been transformed by the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the decline of the Non-aligned Movement, and the rise of globalization. This volume explores one important feature of the new global politics -- the emerging role of regional systems of relations. While the European Union is the most advanced case, most other parts of the world display at least the beginnings of regional systems. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the book examines these processes from a comparative perspective.

Focusing on all the major regions of the world, this book shows that regionalization is an unevenly developing, highly heterogeneous and multidimensional phenomenon. But in the search for a new basis for world order, it does constitute an interesting possibility.

The contributors come from a range of disciplines. Each is an area specialist. Their thoughtful, up-to-date analyses examine eleven different regions that are coming
into existence in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Strong comparative essays put the empirical material in the context of the diverse strands of new thinking in international studies that is emerging.

The volume provides a useful text both for graduate and post-graduate students.

Michael Schulz is director of undergraduate studies at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Goteborg University in Sweden. He is also director of masters education in peace and development studies at Peace College in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. His work includes the edited volume Peace and Development (1999).

Fredrik Soderbaum lectures in international relations and development studies at Goteborg University. He has also worked as a visiting scholar at the University of South Africa, the Nordic Africa Institute and Stellenbosch University in South Africa

Joakim Ojendal is a research fellow and lecturer at Goteborg University. Since 1998 he has been research coordinator of the programme 'Democracy in East and Southeast Asia'.
Michael Schulz is director of undergraduate studies at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Goteborg University in Sweden. He is also director of masters education in peace and development studies at Peace College in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. His work includes the edited volume Peace and Development (1999).

Fredrik Soderbaum lectures in international relations and development studies at Goteborg University. He has also worked as a visiting scholar at the University of South Africa, the Nordic Africa Institute and Stellenbosch University in South Africa

Joakim Ojendal is a research fellow and lecturer at Goteborg University. Since 1998 he has been research coordinator of the programme 'Democracy in East and Southeast Asia'.