EIIES

Introduction

This module introduces some of the major issues – the concept of interregionalism and the debates that were going on in the formation/development of its theoretical concept. Interregional dialogues have been present in the external relations of the European Union (EU) for nearly half a century, for much of which period it seemed to possess exclusive rights to the concept (Doidge, 37). This module will explore the past, present and future of the study of interregionalism. At least according to Doidge roughly two periods may be determined within the study of interregionalism from the Union’s perspective: first the actor-centered ‘old interegionalism’of the early years; and second the system-centered ‘new interregionalism’ of the post-bipolar period. The two according to Doidge are characterised by fundamental differences in the architecture of such group-to-group relations, and in their perceived significance in the international system.

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Basically through the reading of Doidge chapter on “Interregionalism and the European Union: Conceptualising Group-to-Group Relations” we will study definition of interregionalism, the way in which the old interregionalism was conceived within European studies, the changes both to the architecture of interregionalism and to its conceptualisation in the post-bipolar period. Some questions related to the phenomenon of interregionalism study are (i) what models of the ‘new interregionalism’ tell us about the shape of European Union group-to-group relations, (ii) whether such patterns and expectations can be applied beyond this narrow focus and (iii) can a framework generated within the context of studies of EU external relations apply to interregionalism more generally?

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Jurgen Ruland’s critical thinkings will also contribute to this module which basically underline although interregionalism study is experiencing a deadlock but there is still room for innovation in the future if we open to the broader centric through more comparative study on interregionalism. (sh)

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Objectives

1. To develop an understanding of interregionalism definition and understanding the exact meaning of this perspective;

2. To develop an understanding of various debates in the development of interregionalism concept;

3. To develop an understanding of the context and flow of interregionalism research and its impact to the position of Europe and EU response to the changing global situation; and

4. To relate theoretical discussion with empirical experiences.

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Activities

1. Discussion (exploring the meaning of interregionalism, diversity of interregionalism and challenges in developing Interregionalism Study).

2. Questions and Answers:

• What do you know about Interregionalism in the International Relations study?

• How did you learn about it?

• How do you see interregionalism can contribute to the relations among nations?

• Can you describe how interregionalism affects your future life?

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References​

• Baert, Francis, Tiziana Scaramagli, Fredrik Soderbaum. 2014. “Introduction: Intersecting Interregionalism.” In Intersecting Interregionalism: Regions, Global Governance and the EU, edited by F. Baert et al. United Nations University Series on Regionalism 7, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-7566-4_3, © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

• Doidge, Mathew. 2014. “Interregionalism and the European Union: Conceptualising Group-to-Group Relations.” In Intersecting Interregionalism: Regions, Global Governance and the EU, edited by F. Baert et al. United Nations University Series on Regionalism 7, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-7566-4_3, © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

• Rüland, Jürgen.  2014. “Interregionalism and International Relations: Reanimating an Obsolescent Research Agenda?”. In Intersecting Interregionalism: Regions, Global Governance and the EU, edited by F. Baert et al. United Nations University Series on Regionalism 7, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-7566-4_3, © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

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