CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE
Second Semester | Academic Year 2024–2025
THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
CONW 1013
Prepared by:
CONW 1013 INSTRUCTORS
Reviewed by:
CLAIRE T. GUMARANG, MAEd
Political Science and Social Science Department Head
Recommended by:
HERBERT S. CORPUZ, Ed.D.
Academic Dean
Approved by:
LUISA B. AQUINO, Ed.D.
Vice President for Academics
CORRESPONDENCE LEARNING MODULE
CONW 1013 (The Contemporary World)
Academic Year 2024–2025
Lesson 5: A World of Regions
Topic: Asian Regionalism
Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Explain the effects of globalization on governments;
2. Identify the institutions that govern international relations;
3. Identify the roles and functions of the United Nations;
4. Create an Informercial about government as an element of the state; and
5. Explain the relevance of the state amid globalization.
Lesson Proper:
The contemporary world has seen myriads of massive
developments which, in one way or another either gave birth to
entities gravitating toward a homogenous goal or created a wide
array of fragmented ones. It witnessed the emergence and
reemergence of globalization intensified by the advent of modernity
as well as the development of regionalization, a concept that
entirely contradicts the former. While both globalization and
regionalization have, as their core, the goal to establish unity
among members, they may be contrasted in terms of nature and
scope. To have a full grasp of the striking differences between the
two, let us study the pieces of information below:
Regionalization is the process of dividing an area into smaller segments called regions. In business, it is used
as a management tool.
The Regionalization of the world system and economic activity undermines the potential benefits coming out
from a liberalized global economy. This is because regional organization preferred regional partners over the
rest. Regional organizations respond to the states attempt to reduce the perceived negative effects of
globalization.
Regionalization
- It is the process of dividing an area into smaller
segments called regions
- In economics, regionalization or sometimes termed as
Localization is a strategy which focuses on a particular
region or area.
- It employs differentiation based on regions.
Example: 1. Division of nation into states or
provinces.
2. Business also use regionalization as
management tool.
As beneficial as it may be viewed in various perspectives,
globalization is not a concept widely embraced by some. In a survey conducted in 2007, the financial times
revealed that majority of Europeans consider globalization a detriment to their societies. At the turn of the 21 st
century, movements against globalization emerged. These said movements are particularly not in favor with the
unrestrained market system and the dawn of free trade. Right-wing and left-wing anti-globalization activists rose.
Extreme right-wing activists such as the British National Party, National Democratic Party of Germany, the
National Front in France and the Freedom Party of Austria deem globalization as a threat to national economy
and national identity. They argue that economy must be nationally regulated and immigration must be control to
uphold national identity. Policy makers and scholars think that globalization can be countered through what
Jacoby and Meunier called managed globalization. Managed globalization refers to all attempts to make
globalization more palatable to citizens. In its own sense, regionalization is a sort of counter-globalization.
Regionalism
- Regionalism was created as a sort of counter-globalization
- Regional Organizations will always prefer regional
partners over the rest of the world
Globalization is the process of international
integration emerging from the interchange of world
perspectives, products, ideas, and other aspects such
as technology, economy, politics, education, health
care, and others. But as we have learned from previous
discussions there are many controversies surrounding
globalization which make it complicated to coin a
definition. To further draw contrast between
globalization, regionalization and regionalism, let us
take a look at the tables below:
GLOBALIZATION REGIONALIZATION REGIONALISM
Expansion and intensification of “The growth of societal integration Refers to regional concentration of
social relations and consciousness within a region and the often- economic flows while
across world time and world-space. undirected processes of social and regionalization refers to a political
economic interaction” (Hurrel, 1995) process by economic policy if
cooperation and coordination are
present among countries
(Mansfield & Wilmer, 1993)
Also pertains to the process of
intergovernmental collaborations
between two or more states
(Eliassen& Arnadottir, 2012).
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGIONALIZATION AND GLOBALIZATION
REGIONALIZATION GLOBALIZATION
- A process of dividing an area into smaller - a process by which the people of the world are
segments called regions. unified into a single society and function together.
REGIONALISM REGIONALIZATION
- is the theory or practice of regional rather - division of a nation into states or provinces.
than
central systems of administration or
economic cultural or political affiliation.
GLOBALIZATION REGIONALIZATION
Promotes integration of Divides an area into smaller segments
Nature economies across state
borders all around the world
Allows many corporations to trade on Monopolies are more likely to develop.
international level; it allows free market Monopoly means one producer controls
supply of a good or service, and where
Market
the entry of new producers is prevented or
highly restricted.
Acceleration to multiculturalism Does not support multiculturalism
Cultural & Societal
through free and inexpensive movement
Relations
of people
Globalized international communities A regionalized area does not get involved
Aid are more willing to aid countries stricken in the affairs of other areas
by disasters
Technologic Globalization has driven great Advanced technology is rarely available in
al advances in technology one country or region.
Advances
HISTORY OF REGIONALIZATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
The Great War altered both the political landscape and international relations. As fighting and hostilities came to
an end, regional leaders around the world looked for a new structure on how they will manage their shared
interest, threats and opportunities.
As world powers began to establish coalitions, third world countries found themselves casted out. Marginalized
economies were excluded from the global market. This exclusion, nevertheless paved way for them to recognize
renewed opportunities in collaboration with neighboring countries.
The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a perfect example of a successful regional cooperation
that responds to external pressures and common challenges.
Regional Integration is the process by which two or more nation-states agree to co-operate and work closely
together to achieve peace, stability and wealth. The entire world is moving towards integration, it is inevitable. In
Asia, the Southeast Asian countries have already formed ASEAN
This regional power block appears to work fine, the member states fit very well together because of the following
factors:
• Military Defense
o the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed to protect Europe from the threat of the
Soviet Union; and as a response, the Soviet Union created the Warsaw Pact.
• Economic Crisis
o The ASEAN countries along with China, Japan, and South Korea established an emergency fund that
stabilized Asian economies after the rippling effect of the Thai economy’s collapse.
• Resources
o Countries need to pool their resources together to make themselves more powerful. The Organization of
the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in power when they took over domestic production and
controlled crude oil prices across the globe.
• Protection of Independence
o The countries under the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) refused to side with the capitalists (Western
Europe & North America) or the communists (Eastern Europe).
Factors that brought Asian Regions into intensified integration
1) TRADE - The world economy is intertwined with each other whether we like it or not. We all want or need
something from another part of the world, including global trade facilitates. These nations can readily supply each
other’s needs.
2) SIMILAR CULTURE - The cultures of Asia is diverse but they do share many things. This makes it an easier fit
during times of negotiations.
3) COMMON GOALS - The Asian region recognizes the mutual benefit of a slow integration, and that is to
accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development and to promote peace.
4) SIMILAR SECURITY NEEDS - aside from small localized rebels, this association needs only to contend with
foreign-supported terrorist groups which are usually handled well.
5) SIMILAR SECURITY NEEDS - aside from small localized rebels, this association needs only to contnd with
foreign-supported terrorist groups which are usually handled well.
Challenges of Regionalism
• Resurgence of militant nationalism and populism. This involves the conflict between the NATO, the United
States, and Vladimir Putin’s Anti-NATO movement.
• Continuing financial crisis. The continuing crisis in the European Region continues to lead the United Kingdom
into exiting the European Union.
• Conflict between sovereignty and regional stability. The Philippines had a difficulty in letting some countries
support its condemnation of China’s occupation of the West Philippine Sea because China had given great
investments and economic aid to these countries.
• Differing visions of regionalism. Developed countries like the US may only see regionalism as a tool for political
democratization, but developing countries see regionalism as an obstacle to economic globalization because
public inquiry slows down its implementations.
What makes Asian nations stronger than ever is the Establishment of
collaborations and cooperation based on respect. For one, the ASEAN, as a
regional bloc, pays full respect for sovereignty and independence of its members
through consensus and consultation (Eliassen& Arnadottir, 2012)
August 08, 1967 – Five leaders of Southeast Asian Countries met together in the
Department of Foreign Affairs building in
Bangkok Thailand and signed the document where the “Association of
Southeast Asian Nations” was born. - by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore,
Thailand and the Philippines.
Promoted economic growth, social progress and cultural
development in the Southeast Asian region through multilateral cooperation
ASEAN COMMUNITY
Political Security Community Economic Community Socio-Cultural Community
Gives importance to human rights, Adheres to significant roles of Avenue for cooperation among the
drugs, foreign relations, defense, monitoring –economic ministers, ministers responsible for culture
law and transnational crimes. finance ministers, central bank and arts, sports, disaster
governors, free trade area, management, education,
investment area, agriculture and environment, health, information,
forestry, transport ministers, labour, rural development and
telecommunications and poverty eradication, women, youth
information technology ministers, and civil service matters.
science and technology, energy,
minerals, tourism, free trade
agreements with dialogue partners
and sectoral bodies.
ASEAN: Fundamental Principles
• Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of
all nations;
• The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or
coercion
• The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or
coercion
• Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another
• Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
• Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
• Effective cooperation among themselves.
APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation
• APEC a regional forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia - Pacific.
• aim to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive,
sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.
• ensures that goods, services, investment and people move easily across borders. Members facilitate this trade
through faster customs procedures at borders, more favourable business climates behind the border.
EAS
East Asia Summit
The East Asia Summit is a unique leaders-led forum of 18 countries of the
Asia-Pacific region formed to further the objectives of regional peace,
security and prosperity.
It has evolved as a forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation on political,
security and economic issues of common regional concerns.
• Australia
• China
• India
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Russian Federation
• USA
ASEAN, created bilateral agreements with China, Japan and South Korea (APT (ASEAN +3). A framework that
besides financial issues also includes deeper economic cooperation. Its goal is to address the 1997 Asian
financial crisis and help each other cope with crisis. In this context, ASEAN has concretized regionalism in the
Asian region.
ASEAN agreed to strengthen partnership with the People's Republic of China (PRC), the Republic of Korea
(Korea) and Japan to address mutual issues and concerns in energy security, natural gas development, oil market
studies, oil stockpiling, and renewable energy.
ASEAN Plus Three (APT) can be considered as a forum that functions as coordinator of co-operation between
the Association of Southeast Asian Nation and the three East Asia nations of China, Japan, and South Korea.
ASIAN REGIONALISM
• A new concept among the continental communities
• New to cooperation and collaboration goals
• 50-year-old ASEAN Group and the failed East Asia Economic group
Asian economies are connected through:
Issues and Concerns of Asian Regionalism
• Asian Regionalism may not play a role in the major and longstanding regional conflicts, especially that are
holdovers from the Cold War period, such as the PRC
• The possible failure of regional trust-building, which is supposed to have been brought about by regional
groups like the ASEAN is reflected in the emergence of what seems to be a significant arms race across
the region
• The region is regularly visited by natural calamities, there is no standing regional humanitarian and
disaster assistance mechanism in place, despite periodic attempts to create one.
• Transnational threats such as illegal migration, terrorism, and pandemics continue to be dealt with on an
ad hoc or bilateral basis, without significant multilateral action.
• On human rights and social issues, Asia continues to lag behind other regions, including Africa and Latin
America, not to mention Europe, developing regional human rights promotion and protection
mechanisms.
• Asian regional groups are not problem-solving or law-enforcing mechanisms, but norm-making and
socializing agents. In this respect, they do conform to the general model of international organization, which
generally lack coercive enforcement power, but act as instruments of socialization and legitimizing actors.
• Asian regional institutions should widen their focus to embrace transnational issues and move beyond being
forums for consultations and dialogue to become an instrument for problem solving
**END OF LESSON 5**
REFERENCES
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Coronacion, Dennis C., et. al., 2018. Convergence: a textbook in contemporary world.
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