Assessment and Measurement of Regional Integration

What is the impact of regional integration for different countries and how can it be measured? Using an interdisciplinary approach, this book explores how regional integration can be quantified, evaluated and monitored. In today's globalizing world there is growing tension between the quest for global free trade and the fact that trade liberalization is frequently organized regionally rather than multilaterally. This book investigates the methodological problems involved in designing monitoring tools for regional integration, and makes suggestions for designing and organizing systems of indicators of regional integration. The volume is organized into three sections: Part one discusses general theoretical and methodological aspects of building indicator systems. Part two focuses on the measurement of regional economic integration and interdependence. Part three explore the possibilities for monitoring political integration, regional governance andconflict. The book will be of interest to students and researchers of international relations and economics as well as policy makers and professionals within international and regional organizations.