Examines 'regionalism' - countries working together in small trade groups, instead of the 'free' market of globalisation Shows that regionalism is growing, as a result of the pressures of globalisation Multidisciplinary - ideal for students in economics, globalisation, geography and international studies Explores issues including security, money issues, identity and integration Case studies include Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East This book explores the phenomenon of regionalism. It is a contradiction of globalisation that there is a growing tendency for countries to enter into regional arrangements as a response to the pressures of operating in a global marketplace. The contributors explore how this pattern impacts on wider issues such as global governance, democracy, identity and trade. The book reviews the major theoretical approaches to regional cooperation including perspectives from international relations, political economy, economics and sociology. It is divided into three main sections: theoretical approaches to regionalism; issues of regional cooperation (such as security, monetary issues, identity and integration); and an exploration of specific case studies including the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, China, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. With a range of leading contributors, including Bjorn Hettne, Louise Fawcett and David Francis, this is an in-depth guide to the subject that will be of interest to students across the social sciences.