The Diffusion of Regionalism Article By: Thomas Risse Presentation by: Kyle Mercer

INTRODUCTION Diffusion: Any process where prior adoption of a trait or practice in a population alters the probability for adoption for remaining non- adopters How can we explain the emergence and institutional design of regionalism across the globe? (2 explanations) Independent decision making in a specific region results in dominant regional cooperation and integration Regionalism offers particular solutions to functional problems Regionalism emphasizes interdependency between regions or sub-regions RO’s do not exist in isolation, rather model integration and regional cooperation across the globe. Diffusion would not occur if RO’s are isolated Independent or interdependent decision making Diffusion of regionalism, institutional designs and regional governance is mainly determined by indirect mechanisms of emulation rather than direct “sender-driven” mechanisms

CONCEPTUALIZING DIFFUSION: STIMULI, MECHANISMS, AND OUTCOMES Consequences of Diffusion: 1: There must be a stimulus of diffusion. Knowing differences between single and multiple sources of diffusion is important 2: Must Identify what is being diffused. Diffusion can occur from problems defining, framing, and articulating a solution 3:Diffusion relates to the process not the outcomes. Mechanisms of Diffusion: Can be sender-driven or recipient driven 1: Diffusion can occur via imposition or use of force (rare) 2: Diffusion can manipulate utility calculations to provide positive and negative incentives for actors (actors have a choice) 3: Diffusion can occur via socialization and persuasion (competition) 4: Diffusion can occur via lesson-drawing (observation) 5: Diffusion can occur via normative emulation (increases legitimacy) Outcomes of Diffusion: Wholesale adoption only occurs in imposition or mimicry Adaptation of policy and institutions is selective to a specific regional context The more actors ’localize’ norms, the more diffusion resembles a transformation Rejection of diffusion can also occur but is difficult to measure with quantitative research

THE DIFFUSION OF REGIONALISM AND REGIONAL ORDERS Direct Influence on the World of Regions: Katzenstein’s ’World of Regions’ Regional Organizations increase the pooling and delegation of authority United States structural power post WWII shaped regional diffusion orders in Asia and Europe Lead to 2 distinct regional orders Outcome of United States diffusion lead to adaptation and transformation via imposition European Union also fosters regional cooperation and integration Influences mechanisms to support regionalism via incentives (funding), norm socializations, and persuasion via political dialogue Outcomes of EU diffusion are harder to identify Emulation of Regionalism Emulation proves regional diffusion occurs via competition and mimicry Preferential Trade agreements and Free Trade agreements encourage competition Example: NAFTA is a response to the EU Emulation argues that ‘regionalism’ and participation in regional organizations should be a requirement for modern states who want to be considered a part of the international community

DIFFUSION OF REGIONAL INSTIUTIONAL DESIGNS Risse’s claim: Diffusion perspective offers a powerful account for the institutional design of various regional organizations Direct Influence Mechanisms Regional organizations and global regional powers promote their own institutional models in their own regions United States promotes rule-based FTA’s without strong regional organizations The European Union promotes supranationalism Soft institutionalism a result of direct opposition from western regional integration attempts States oppose regionalism to maintain sovereignty an autonomy rather than embrace supranationalism Emulation of Regional Institution Designs Emulation appears to be the primary mechanism in diffusional institutional designs of regional organizations ASEAN states utilize lesson drawing and normative emulation from EU Emulation triggers direct influence via persuasion and norms socialization

DIFFUSION OF REGIONAL GOVERNANCE Direct influence Mechanisms: ’Sender driven diffusion’ represented by United Nations and its agencies as well as global organizations This sender driven diffusion helped shape the global governance of the south Regional organizations use direct influence mechanisms to encourage diffusion Emulation mechanisms Occur via competition, lesson drawing, and normative emulation Emulation is the main mechanism by which human rights and democracy diffuses Result of emulation Not to practice wholesale adoption of policy regimes Adapt and transform to adjust diffusion to specific regional circumstances

CONCLUSION Regional diffusion adapts to traits or practices of a population Influences non-adapted actors to compete There are consequences, mechanisms, and outcomes of diffusion Regional Organizations and regional powers encourage cooperation and integration Regional organizations have direct influence in their regions States who diffuse usually tend to emulate via lesson drawing or normative emulation States adapt and adjust to diffusion policies that best fit their regional circumstances Questions?