Inter-Regionalism: Logical Foundations and a Research Agenda: The Case of the East Asia-Latin America Cooperation Forum

Abstract: Clarifying the logical foundations and a research agenda for studies of inter-regionalism is critical, yet until present scholars have neglected these tasks.This article provides a theoretical analysis of the logic of inter-regionalism based on consideration of three factors: the suitability of the concept of regionalism; the suitability of a region as an international political actor; and the suitability of the region as a starting point for the inter-regionalism.From a historical and a rational perspective respectively, the article conducts an indepth analysis of inter-regionalism, which it uses as the basis for an empirical consideration of inter-regionalism focused on the case of the East Asia-Latin America cooperation forum.This helps deepen our understanding of the logical foundations for and research agenda around inter-regionalism.Through both theoretical and empirical explorations, the article argues that the logical starting point of regionalism is a comprehensive region, while the research agenda of inter-regionalism includes the various relationships and the general patterns of developmental change between regions.

About the Authors: Wang Zailiang is a PhD Student in the School of Politics and Law at Northeast Normal University; Gao Yingtong is a Professor in the School of Politics and Law at Northeast Normal University