Region Construction: The Dynamics of Cross-Level Networking in East Asia

Abstract

This article seeks to explore the dynamics of region construction in East Asia, through both formal regional institutions and informal regionalization processes. Regionalism, particularly in Southeast and East Asia, is often explained as a formal regionalist project. ASEAN serves as a prime example but many other intra-regional processes, such as the ASEAN plus Three, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, are also cases in point. These processes, representing state actors, do not necessarily work in autonomous spaces and discrete spheres, but rather interact with non-state entities through multi-level networking. This networking provides opportunities for the development of either 'positive' or 'negative' regionalism. As such, this article looks at the interplay of cross-level actor-networks and how they affect the direction and scope of regionalization in East Asia. It aims to show the dynamic interplay of multiple regional actors that can consciously or unconsciously contribute to the strengthening or weakening of region construction.