What are the causes of the 'rush to regionalism' in world politics since the mid-1980s?

Question

There is a virtually global move towards creating new regional organisations and trade deals (such as NAFTA, Mercosur etc.) or redynamising existing regional bodies (EU, ASEAN, CARICOM, AU etc.). Why are states deciding to engage in this regional integration?

Answer 1

stop using this to do your homework

- maximize trading strength.
regional networks provide members greater economic avenues.

Answer 2

The failure of WTO and UNO resulted in growth of regional organisations or unions.It is more practial for countries in same region to cooperate for common good.If consider GATT and various agreements for trade and aid you will learn that except USA no other country got any benefit.The super power domination is another issue.IBRD/World Bank favour only US interests.The dollar(US) remains strong because of favours gained by US through international institutions.So far there was no rival for US $.But now the growth of Euro as an international currency will benefit all other countries (other than USA)
ASEAN helps asian countries for regional cooperation and making trade with out the intervention of US $.AMU(asian monetary unit similar to Euro has helped Asian countries in developing regional trade and cooperation.The locational advantages,proximity will cut costs and save dollar.Regional integration is a wise economic decision.

Answer 3

It is to do with rationalising existing government frameworks.
Governments have become top heavy with bureaucrats.
This slows up the process of governing.
To regionalise organisations assists in dealing with problems quicker and at a level where there exists local knowledge.

Answer 4

It is the only way politicians can get a job without being elected! They are unemployable otherwise!