Asia pacific regionalism: Tentative thoughts on conceptual basis and empirical linkages

Drawing on prior theoretical and empirical studies addressing relations in Asia and elsewhere, the following discussion probes (1) the idea of region, (2) the nature of linkage politics, and (3) the implications of major ongoing trends. It concludes by offering (4) some conflicting hypotheses about cooperation in Northeast Asia and APEC. The evidentiary basis for this discussion is quite modest and serves only to illustrate the necessity of more systematic research. Attention goes to broad pattern recognition and hypothesis generation rather than idiosyncratic explanations or unique claims about Asia Pacific or Northeast Asian developments.