Building blocks of regionalism? Cross-border cooperation schemes in Europe and Southeast Asia

Abstract

This chapter introduces into cross-border regionalism, analyzing the phenomenon in Europe and Southeast Asia. While regionalism and regionalization have received wide attention both from scholars and practitioners, cross-border cooperation schemes are still an under-explored research field in regionalism studies. However, it is important to understand how cross-border regions and schemes develop, who implements them, and why. Answering these questions contributes to better conceptualizing regional integration. The main argument of this chapter is that it is not possible to fully grasp regionalism and regionalization without understanding cross-border regionalism. Additionally, the study of cross-border regionalism helps to better comprehend the transformation that the nation state is undergoing due to global and cross- border challenges. Accordingly, questions related to governance, economic development and power are addressed in order to understand how asymmetrical links that characterize cross- border regionalism influence cooperation and integration. Finally, the chapter clarifies that cross-border governance transforms the space of the state's activities as socioeconomic and political interests go beyond the traditional nation-state level.