This title was first published in 2000. This text describes, analyzes and projects the implications of regionalism on contemporary international relations. Regional policy positions are examined in order to increase our understanding of how the direct impact patterns of relations at a regional level of analysis are having in the shifting balance of international power. The book clarifies what types of regional dynamics are manifesting themselves in different parts of the world, and consists of both theoretical and empirical assessments (similar to those developed in the author's previous book on regionalism) that ensures that the comparative analysis conducted is a comprehensive and coherent one.