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 regionsCopyright Holder Istituto Affari Internazionali Copyright Year 2012 Copyright type All rights reserved ISSN 17519721 DOI 10.1080/03932729.2012.655005 -
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