Alan Castle

Regional Economic Integration and Globalization Alan Castle

***The GATT/WTO system has been founded on the fundamental principle of non- discrimation. However, the system has also allowed exceptional cases to this principle through several arrangements. ***The leading examples of these cases are Regional Integration Agreements (RIAs). The concept of regionalization, is associated with the development of the institutional conditions for the shift of goods and production between countries. ***In the center of the regionalization process there is a function of integration groups, which currently are of great importance in the world economy. ***The number, size, and degree of relationships between countries which participate in integration agreements make it an important phenomenon and unique feature of the current phase of globalizationThere are also many different attitudes on the relationship between globalization and regionalism (integration). Some join them, other contradict. ***Regionalism and globalization mutually support themselves in the sense that regionalism is often the stage of globalization. Regionalization may indeed by stimulating the local markets and by creating a competitive environment in the region enhance microeconomic forces necessary for responding to the needs of globalization. However, there are important integration features for the defense against globalization as a process of differentiating and marginalizing some societies. ***In the case of integration we can count on a better protection against volatility of financial markets and against monetary crisis.