Regionalisms are complex and multifaceted phenomena. The decontextualisation of theories in analytical applications to integration processes outside of Europe has resulted not only in a conceptual mismatch in the understanding of non-European processes but also in a fundamental tautological problem. This is because the European model has become the benchmark for determining whether a given regional association process can be considered regional integration based on its similarities or differences with the European process and its supranational characteristics (Briceño, 2018). The European model, while influential, is limited in its ability to explain regionalism in other parts of the world.