Introduction
摘要
This book examines the typology of regions and regional organizations, with a focus on Europe and Asia, which illustrate all types of regionalism. Regional cooperation and integration are essential for shaping a stable world society after the Cold War. Such regional integration initiatives have been viewed as building blocks in a global structure that promotes peace and development. The initial optimistic views from the 1990s of regions coexisting in a harmonious global edifice contrast today a deteriorating situation exemplified by a clash of two regional models in Ukraine in the 2020s. Effective regionalism requires commitment and conscious efforts, as relations can shift between collaboration and conflict. By examining several regional cooperation models, the book aims to provide insights into the complexities of international relations, advocating an approach that values diversity and addresses global challenges such as climate change and inequality. Ultimately, it aims to foster an understanding of the dynamic nature of regional integration in a changing geoeconomic and geopolitical landscape. The introduction also provides a brief definition of six overarching principles of regional integration to guide the subsequent investigation.