4.7. Major Theories of Regional Integration 4.7.1. Functionalism • Functionalists view regionalism as ab functional
response by states
to the problems that
derived from regional interdependence. –
Regionalism is seen as the
most effective means of solving common problems • Regional organizations are built
to cope up with one common problem and
spill over to other problems and
areas of cooperation, which will deepen integration among member states
– Spillover:
a key explanation behind regionalism for functionalists
Fiurrell identifies two types of spillovers that might lead to regionalism
A.Functional spillover: cooperation in one area would broaden
and deepen to further areas B.Political spillover: the existence of
supranational institutions would set in motion a self reinforcing process of institution building. In the end,
regionalism would occur 4.7.2. Neo-functionalism • Emerged in the s based on the works of
Ernst Hass and Leon Lindberg • Neo-functionalism included clear departures from transactionalism, federalism and functionalism this makes it a distinct and independent
theoretical entity
Neo functionalism Share with your friends: 
