Fragmentation or Integration of Global Economic Governance

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the consequences of decentralizing strategic, political, and cognitive authority for the fragmentation or integration of the global economic architecture. Both effects are evident in the analysis; however, there has been greater evidence of growing integration rather than fragmentation, incorporating a wider group of authoritative actors in global economic governance. This greater inclusivity and integration indicates how decentralizing authority has strengthened instead of weakened the global economic architecture. The chapter also addresses the relevance of narratives about ‘the West versus the rest’ for contemporary global economic governance. It concludes that, partly due to decentralizing authority, strategic, political, and policy alliances do not currently conform to a clear ‘West’ against ‘the rest’ logic in multilateral economic cooperation.