Регионализм и регионализация в Восточной Азии

Abstract

In the last decade researchers have begun to use the concept of “new regionalism” to describe political and socioeconomic developments in East Asia. Typical for the East Asian “new regionalism” are the exceptionally complex relations between big powers both within the region and on the global level. We can also see here a dialectical correlation of regionalism and regionalization. Another characteristic of East Asian regionalism is a conscious state policy to promote deep regional cooperation devoid of any external influence — a process supported by the two largest powers in the region, China and Japan. Regionalization is viewed as a kind of “filler” for regional developments. In particular, it stimulates a closer economic interdependence of regional economies, consolidation of their business ties and building a common civilizational identity. The concept of regional integration in East Asia largely focuses on intergovernmental cooperation and institution-building. East Asian states make use of commercial and investment activity of nongovernmental parties to help shape favorable political conditions to minimize the possibility of political conflicts. Western experts often view the East Asian model of regionalism as a conspicuous stage in the destruction of American globalization model which, in its turn, rejects any successful attempts at regional integration. China has achieved decisive influence on East Asian regionalization. This power aims to build an integrated regional system, primarily in economic and cultural spheres, and not touching the political and military aspects of the future integration. The analysis of how East Asian integration has developed so far reveals the rise of a new tendency towards building a new economic bloc based on increasingly anti-American feelings. In the foreseeable future this can bring about fundamental geopolitical changes, speeding up East Asian regional development. Economic integration in the region also touches Russia’s national interests. Russia has to start looking for a decent place in the rising regional community, with its economy becoming genuinely attractive for East Asian states.