Global Theories of Regionalism

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

Authors

This chapter surveys theories of regionalism and proposes a research agenda to study regionalism in a more inclusive and pluralistic fashion. We argue that much of the theorizing on regionalism is either implicitly or explicitly based on the European integration experience (EU-centrism) or is deductively derived from general International Relations theories with their tendency for Western-centrism. Thus, this chapter seeks to shift scholarly attention towards other, more critical approaches that we believe hold considerable merit in the study of regionalism. After surveying mainstream theoretical approaches to the study of regionalism, we highlight critical perspectives that have already engaged with regionalism or hold much potential in doing so. Decolonial, postcolonial perspectives, and their variants present a critical historical and political lens to theorizing beyond Europe. We conclude by suggesting that regionalism's current theoretical work could benefit from a broader engagement with critical scholarship in engaging alternative knowledge, historicizing scholarship and theorizing with regions as the basis.
Translated title of the contributionTheorien des Regionalismus
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook on Global Governance and Regionalism
EditorsJürgen Rüland, Astrid Carrapatoso
Number of pages16
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
Publication date07.12.2022
Pages36-51
ISBN (Print)978-1-80037-755-4
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-80037-756-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 07.12.2022

    Research areas

  • Politics - regionalism, Regional organizations, regional order, critical theory, postcolonial theory, global IR