Motives and effectiveness of trans-regional cooperation: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) - a case study

The bachelor thesis "Motives and effectiveness of trans-regional cooperation: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) - a case study" addresses trans-regionalism as a new form of regionalism; looks at motives for co-operation and finally addresses effectiveness as a critical factor for trans-regional cooperation. The thesis is divided into two parts. The first part sets out the theoretical framework for trans-regional cooperation researching. After defining the basic concepts the author examines the differences between two generations of regionalism - old and new. Trans-regionalism is defined on the basis of general classification of regionalism. Furthermore, motives of cooperation are researched using specific theoretical approaches - realism and liberalism. Effectiveness is defined on the basis of international regimes theory. In the second part of the thesis motives for cooperation are analysed on the case of ASEM. The research reveals limitations of trans-regional cooperation. Finally, the effectiveness of ASEM is assessed