International Trade and Regional Integration Dynamics
The Integrationist Concept in International Trade
There are basically two ways to establish international relations in matters of trade: cooperation and integration. Cooperation includes actions designed to reduce discrimination, such as international agreements on trade policy. Integration includes measures for the deletion of some forms of discrimination, such as removing barriers to trade. It is the latter concept of integration which we are interested in developing for the purposes of this chapter.
Starting from the basics, the term integration comes from the Latin word Integratio. According to the dictionary of the RAE, it means the action and effect of integrating or being integrated—to constitute a whole from parts or to join a group.
Primary Reasons for Integration
One wonders, before delving deeper into the integration process, why States desire to become part of a wider community, even reaching the point of ceding some sovereignty. This question can be answered in two main ways:
- The use of force: The cause of this process lies in the use of force, or the threat of force, by a central authority. In the absence of such authority, as in international life, it may be driven by a State or coalition empowered enough to use force or give credibility to the threat of doing so.
- Shared values: The formation of political communities is primarily due to the accumulation of values and shared interests. This situation is reached through the interaction between various units and consensual procedures.
Power Extension and Allegiance
Integration is basically the extension of power from one group to an area previously split. This involves the transfer of allegiance from different regions and groups to the central authorities.
Regional and National Integration Processes
Regional integration refers to the process of creating a common identity for all ethnic, linguistic, religious, and regional groups so they feel part of the same political community. While the integration process is primarily a matter of territorial command and obedience, the process of national integration involves the acceptance by the population of orders from central authorities because they are considered legitimate. Therefore, the process of national integration receives a strong influence from territorial integration.
National and Social Integration
National integration and social integration.