Why we need to 'unpack' regions to compare them more effectively

Van Langenhove, Luk, (2012). Why we need to 'unpack' regions to compare them more effectively. The International Spectator, 47(1), 16-29

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  • Sub-type Journal article
    Author Van Langenhove, Luk
    Title Why we need to 'unpack' regions to compare them more effectively
    Appearing in The International Spectator
    Volume 47
    Issue No. 1
    Publication Date 2012-03-1
    Publisher Routledge
    Start page 16
    End page 29
    Language En
    Abstract States are finding it increasingly difficult to provide good governance in response to today's problems in a globalised world, as they are often either too small or too big to cope with current crises. One of the strategies of states to remedy this situation is to construct regional levels of governance at the supranational or national level. This has led to the creation of diverse forms of regional governance worldwide, thereby ushering in a neo-Westphalian world of states and regions. In order to advance the research agenda of comparative regionalism, scholars need to ‘unpack’ regions along several conceptual dimensions. This includes seeing regions as economic areas, public goods spaces as well as actors in the international arena. In addition, a distinction needs to be made in studying the projects, processes and products of region building. Moreover, studying regions needs to take into account the discursive context of ‘regionalism speak’. Finally, more attention needs to be dedicated to the internal complexity of regionalisms. In sum, comparing regions is not a straightforward exercise, and in some case regions should not be compared with other regions, but with states.
    Keyword Comparative analysis
    Constructivism
    Discourses
    States and regions
    Copyright Holder Istituto Affari Internazionali
    Copyright Year 2012
    Copyright type All rights reserved
    ISSN 17519721
    DOI 10.1080/03932729.2012.655005
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    Created: Fri, 18 Apr 2014, 14:59:10 JST