A Comparative Study of Regionalism in East Asia and the Americas

This article approaches East Asian regionalism from a comparative perspective to explore the causes of institutional underdevelopment and regionalism’s future prospects. While pointing out the theoretical problems involved in a comparison of East Asia with Western Europe, the article compares East Asia with the American region. Four key conditions are identified as being responsible for the success of regional integration: functional demands, leadership, common exigencies, and common identity. Ensuing comparative analysis shows that these four factors can explain the varying degrees of institutional development in East Asia and the Americas. The conclusion predicts that the recent interest in bilateral free trade areas in East Asia will accelera te regional integration.