RELAȚII INTERNAȚIONALE ȘI GUVERNANȚĂ, pages: 85 - 96, 2026

Theoretical and Conceptual Approaches to the Phenomenon of New Regionalism

Doi: https://doi.org/10.58603/AUYN4515

Rezumat: The phenomenon of "new regionalism" represents a contemporary trend in the analysis of international relations and territorial development, emerging in the context of global transformations after the end of the Cold War. Unlike "old regionalism," which was mainly focused on formal economic integration between states, new regionalism is multidimensional, encompassing economic, political, cultural, social, and security aspects. It is no longer solely state-driven, but also involves non-state actors such as NGOs, local authorities, and subnational regions.
In theoretical perspective, new regionalism is analyzed through various paradigms—from neoliberalism to constructivism—that highlight growing interdependencies and the fragmentation of the traditional international order. The process is influenced by globalization, which does not diminish the importance of regions but rather reconfigures them as strategic actors in global networks. A "bottom-up" orientation is observed in the formation of regional identities and interests, with emphasis on complementarity and interregional cooperation.
New regionalism is often perceived as a form of alternative governance, adaptable to local contexts yet connected to global dynamics. Therefore, it provides a relevant theoretical and practical framework for understanding the new forms of regional organization in a multipolar and complex world.