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Regionalism
/ˈriːʤᵊnᵊlɪzᵊm/
Key Insights
Regionalism in international relations refers to the process of states forming alliances, institutions, or cooperative initiatives within a specific geographic area. This approach can serve various purposes, such as promoting trade, enhancing security, and addressing shared challenges. This theory posits that regional dynamics can influence global politics by creating alternative centres of influence and thus affecting the overall structure of international relations.
Written by Pablo Mathis
27 February 2023 · 00:00 CETUpdated 21 June 2026 · 18:25 CET
Cite this brief
Mathis, P. (2023). Regionalism. EPIS Insight · International Relations & Diplomacy.
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Military Alliances
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental alliance consisting of China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations. It is the world’s largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population. It promotes economic, political, and security cooperati…
International Cooperation
ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of 10 member states, promoting regional peace and stability and accelerating economic growth. It promotes the “ASEAN Way” which refers to an approach to solving issues that respect the region’s cultura…
Bilateralism & Multilateralism
Mao Zedong
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International Cooperation
Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew is often referred to as the founding father of Singapore. After Singapore’s expulsion from Malaysia in 1965, Lee became Singapore’s first prime minister. Providing social housing and social programs, Lee fostered cohesion between Singapore’s Chinese and Malay ethnicities. Levying a c…