Lesson 2: Asian Regionalism PDF

# Lesson 2: Asian Regionalism ## GE 319-THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD ### Learning Outcomes - Explain what Asian Regionalism is and its purpose. - Challenge the rationale behind the creation of such regional organization. - Understand the current issues, problems as well as prospects for the future of A...

# Lesson 2: Asian Regionalism ## GE 319-THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD ### Learning Outcomes - Explain what Asian Regionalism is and its purpose. - Challenge the rationale behind the creation of such regional organization. - Understand the current issues, problems as well as prospects for the future of Asian Regionalism. - Recognize how Asian regionalism affects the world within the greater backdrop of Globalization. - Equip students with 21st century learning and develop higher order thinking skills that will lead towards a deeper understanding of Asian Regionalism as well as articulate a stance how it impacts the Philippines, the Filipino society and the individual self as a part of a global community. ### Time frame: 1 week ### Overview The growing demand for economic integration spurred by and large by the rapid yet steady onslaught of globalization, the threat of terrorism, the spread of diseases, massive technological innovations and geopolitical uncertainties are some realities that face nation states. These perceived opportunities, threats and challenges prompt nation states to bond together and forge ties and alliances built on solid, legal frameworks. The maxim that there is strength in numbers bodes well for countries that choose to become a part of organizations that they feel could indeed boost and support their national interest may it be in the economic, military, political or even cultural contexts. Regionalism is fashioned out of the rationale that regional organizations are treaty and charter-based giving them formal status in international law. This status is enhanced - critically through the recognition and status accorded to regional organizations by the United Nations and other multilateral organizations like the World Trade Organization. However, as Acharya (2009) opined, regional organizations also derive legitimacy through the articulation and implementation of distinctive regional norms and practices. The Arab League, for example, derives legitimacy through its very "Arabness", drawing on a rich common culture and history; the states of Southeast Asia are known for their articulation of what has been called the ASEAN way, a concept of consensus-based approaches based upon strict observance of sovereignty. In the light of paradigm changes, the ASEAN Way has become the 'Asian Way' extending the idea to a broader and still developing concept of East Asian regionalism (Stubbs et al, 2005). **The image shows a map of Asia with countries in the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) highlighted. It also states that RCEP countries cover approximately half the world's population and 27% of global trade.** ### Regionalism in Asia Many things have been said about Asia especially about its sheer size, population, resources and its capability to dominate the global political and economic environment. Indeed, it can be said that the gravity of world economic, political and security affairs has shifted to Asia. The Asian Development Bank even went as far as saying that the region's economy is already similar in size to those of Europe and North America, and its influence in the world continues to increase. The contention is that Asia is now so important to the world economy that it must also play a larger role in global economic leadership. As such, the call for Regional economic cooperation is essential for addressing these challenges. This is largely because of Asia's unprecedented growth in the past few decades led by economic powerhouses Japan China and South Korea. The region is home to over half the world's population, produces three tenths of global output (in terms of purchasing power), and consistently records the world's highest economic growth rates. The Asian "miracle as many would refer to the rapid economic transformation in the 80's did not end with the 1997/98 financial crisis; for some countries, it marked the beginning of renewed acceleration. The question is no longer whether Asia will be central to the 21st century economy, but rather how it will exercise its prominent role and how its dependence on the rest of the world has deceased. Asia's economies are increasingly connected through trade, financial transactions, direct investment, technology, labor and tourist flows, and other economic relationships. The regional order that is present in the Asian region is spurred by the fact that their exist patterns of similarities too great to escape scrutiny. Asia, after all, includes some of the world's wealthiest economies and some of its poorest, large continental powers as well as small city states, continuously independent countries and former colonies. Its strength derives from the openness, diversity, and dynamism of its interconnected economies. The cultural ties anchored mainly on language and religion are also solid frontiers to argue for greater cooperation on a regional platform.