Explaining Interregional Cooperation – Theoretical and Methodological Notions on a new Phenomenon In International Relations
Explaining Interregional Cooperation – Theoretical and Methodological Notions on a New Phenomenon in International Relations

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a functional model of Inter-regional Cooperation, which is based on hypotheses deduced from the three most important theories of International Relations (IR), i.e. Realism, Liberal Institutionalism and Social Constructivism. It is argued here that a sound functional analysis of Interregional phenomena like the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the New Transat-lantic Agenda (NTA) etc. can only be achieved by combining relevant as-pects of all three theories. In order to develop a theory of interregional coop-eration, research has to move from single-case studies to structured compari-sons, thus singling out falsified hypotheses and confirming those with ex-planatory power beyond space and time.

• Details
• Contents