Nationalism, regionalism and globalism are three paramount forces in contemporary international relations. But regionalism has experienced tremendous resurgence with the formation of old and new regionalism.

Old regionalism started in Europe after the Second World War with the creation of European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the forerunner of European Economic Community (EEC) that has evolved into the present-day European Union (EU). During the cold war, European regionalism inspired previously-colonized states in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and beyond to also form their own regional groupings for purposes of economic cooperation and even integration while protecting their political freedom and national sovereignty. Arguably, the most successful regional organization outside of Europe is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which at present is at the driver’s seat of many regional efforts in the Asia Pacific and even Indian Ocean regions.

Old regionalism of the cold war was based on Western model exported to other regions of the world. There was a thought during that time that mimicking European style of regionalism was the best model for other regions to promote world peace and achieve regional prosperity. Old regionalism of Europe emphasized economic integration through free trade leading to social, cultural, political and even security integration by upholding Western values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. While old regionalism may have worked in Europe, it became problematic when practiced in other regions.

Thus, a new type of regionalism emerged in Asia after the end of the cold war. Compared with the old regionalism of Europe, which is restrictive and exclusive, the new regionalism of Asia is more open and inclusive leading to the creation of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and other similar regional undertakings.

While the old regionalism of Europe is driven by the interests........

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