Comparative Regional Integration: Theoretical Perspectives

by Finn Laursen (Editor)

After briefly reviewing the basic theoretical stances animating the rest of the proceedings, Laursen (international politics, U. of Southern Denmark) presents 11 contributions that comparatively review processes of regional integration around the world in order to test the validity of a range of political theories. Perspectives stressing the importance of inter-governmental decision-making are examined for the cases of the European Union and Latin America's Mercosur. The Gulf Cooperation Council and ASEAN are discussed in terms of balance-of- threat theory. Constructivist approaches are explored in relation to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Argentine-Brazilian relationship. Finally, combinations of institutionalism, functionalism, and social-constructivism receive attention in chapters dealing with Mercosur, the EU, and Africa's ECOWAS. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003