The Logic of Regional Integration: Europe and Beyond

Description

In the late 1980s regional integration emerged as one of the most important developments in world politics. It is not a new phenomenon, however, and this book presents the first analysis of integration across time, and across regions. Walter Mattli examines projects in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Europe, but also in Latin America, North America and Asia since the 1950s. Using the tools of political economy, he considers why some integration schemes have succeeded while many others have failed; what forces drive the process of integration; and under what circumstances outside countries seek to join. Unlike traditional political science approaches, the book stresses the importance of market forces in determining the outcome of integration; but unlike purely economic analyses, it also highlights the impact of institutional factors. The book will provide students of political science, economics, and European studies with a new framework for the study of international cooperation.

'The historical and geographical sweep of The Logic of Regional Integration is very impressive - ranging from the nineteenth-century German Zollverein to the contemporary European Union to Mercosur and beyond. But Mattli's finest achievement is coupling this empirical depth with a rigorous, parsimonious and persuasive thesis. His central argument that economic disparities between insiders and outsiders drive regional integration is a major contribution to the debate about this important phenomenon.' Geoffrey Garrett, Yale University 'By combining a political economy approach with an historical and comparative perspective, Mattli offers a stimulating and thorough analysis of regional integration. His book is a major contribution to the understanding of one of the most challenging phenomena of our time.' Yves Meny, European University Institute