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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?