Asian regional institutions have proliferated in the new century. An investigation and explanation of institutional variation across regions contributes to an assessment of Asia's regional institutions. The determinants of choice for supranational regional institutions in Europe are unlikely to be replicated in Asia. (Chapter 6) The evolution of European regional institutions does suggest that balancing representation and delegation are tasks confronted by all regional institutions in different ways. (Chapter 2) In contrast to Europe, Latin America suggests that supranational institutions may ... More

Asian regional institutions have proliferated in the new century. An investigation and explanation of institutional variation across regions contributes to an assessment of Asia's regional institutions. The determinants of choice for supranational regional institutions in Europe are unlikely to be replicated in Asia. (Chapter 6) The evolution of European regional institutions does suggest that balancing representation and delegation are tasks confronted by all regional institutions in different ways. (Chapter 2) In contrast to Europe, Latin America suggests that supranational institutions may play a beneficial role in expanding trade, a deeper integration agenda may prove more difficult. (Chapter 5) Although economic crises may boost institution building, their positive effect depends on the source of the shock and the response of global institutions (Chapter 7). In efforts to finesse the shortcomings of consensus decision-making in regional institutions, changes in the structure and process of delegation in existing institutions appears most promising. (Chapter 8) The demand for regional courts in Asia may grow with binding treaties that create rights and obligations for private persons. (Chapter 3) Membership rules could change to reinforce regional integration. (Chapter 4) Asian regional institutions have played a positive role in the socialization of states, even in the absence of more formal and binding institutions. (Chapter 9) If political rivalries, rather than economic integration, have driven Asian regional institutions, the prospects for widespread institutional innovation are limited. (Chapter 10) If demand for deeper economic integration grows, however, the landscape of Asian regional institutions could change more dramatically.