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So far, so functional? Examining functional and counter-functional dynamics in authoritarian regional cooperation
[working paper]
Abstract Regional cooperation, once largely the preserve of democracies, is now seen in many regions characterized by autocracy. Indeed, authoritarian leaders increasingly cooperate regionally, above all to augment the resilience of their regimes. While the output from this cooperation differs considerably f... view more
Regional cooperation, once largely the preserve of democracies, is now seen in many regions characterized by autocracy. Indeed, authoritarian leaders increasingly cooperate regionally, above all to augment the resilience of their regimes. While the output from this cooperation differs considerably from liberal-democratic regionalism, the experience of European integration nevertheless sheds light on an important underlying dynamic within this growing autocratic cooperation. Indeed, as with early and mid-stage
European regional integration, authoritarian regionalism is driven by functional demands arising from the limited access nature of their regimes. However, countervailing ideational dynamics (such as the increasing salience of identity and legitimacy issues), which affect regional cooperation, are present in many cases.
These counter-functional dynamics largely pre-date regionalist efforts but appear to be exacerbated by
regional cooperation. This paper examines the interplay between functional demands and counter-functional dynamics in the context of ‘protective regionalisms’ in Eurasia, the Gulf, and West Africa. As global politics becomes more polarized, with regionalism seen as a source of strength for authoritarian states, the dynamics and underlying logics of such projects become increasingly important.... view less
Keywords
West Africa; Persian Gulf; authoritarian system; regionalism; regional development; regional integration; cooperation; political control; securing of power; domination; legitimation; economic cooperation; functionalism
Classification
Political System, Constitution, Government
International Relations, International Politics, Foreign Affairs, Development Policy
Free Keywords
Counter-Functionalism; Cooperation Theory; Eurasia
Document language
English
Publication Year
2015
City
Berlin
Page/Pages
31 p.
Series
KFG Working Paper Series, 68
ISSN
1868-7601
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications