Varieties of regionalism: Comparison of Europe and southeast Asia

Abstract

The comparative approach has not been widely used in regional studies so far. From the perspective of comparative regionalism, the formality of the European Union (EU) and the informality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represent two models of regional integration. The institutionalization and enlargement of ASEAN and the EU have distinctive regional characteristics. In Southeast Asia, regionalism is often a reaction to external challenges and threats, while European regional integration is more innate in nature. The distinctive dynamics are formulated in each region's power structure, institutional environment and cultural background. With a firm cultural identity, strong co-leadership, constructive US input and a formal institutionalization approach, 'proactive regionalism' in Europe has adequate endogenous force to move forwards. In contrast, the lack of a coherent ideology for regional integration, the power competition within the region, the destructive intervention of the US and a lower level of institutionalization means that greater exogenous pressure is necessary for Southeast Asia to develop its regional project, which could be termed 'reactive regionalism'.