The dominance of Western–centric theories in the study of regionalism has long obscured the rich tapestry of regional dynamics in the Global South. This essay argues that mainstream regionalism theories, rooted in European experiences, fundamentally fail to capture the essence of regional cooperation and integration in diverse global contexts. By critically examining these theories through the lens of Global South experiences, we uncover not only their limitations but also reveal the imperative for a radical reconceptualisation of regionalism studies.