REGIONALISM & REGIONAL IGOS II: AFRICA, THE AMERICAS, ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to regionalism and regional IGOs across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

Bandung Conference (1955)

A meeting of Asian and African states that fostered Afro-Asian solidarity and helped catalyze the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

A global group of states seeking to remain independent from the US-Soviet blocs during the Cold War.

Group of 77 (G77)

A coalition of developing countries within the United Nations advocating for collective economic interests.

BRICS/BRICS+

Emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) with potential partners; aims to reform global economic governance.

Belt and Road Initiative

China’s international infrastructure and investment program to enhance connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

1964 intergovernmental organization of 31 newly independent African states; no legal obligations; principles include sovereign equality, non-interference, and respect for borders.

African Union (AU)

Established in 2002 as the successor to the OAU; 55 member states; promotes governance, human rights, development, and has an intervention framework under grave circumstances.

Assembly of the African Union

Body of heads of state that sets policies, approves interventions, and approves the AU budget.

Executive Council (AU)

Foreign ministers who execute Assembly decisions, including trade and environment decisions.

African Union Commission

The AU’s secretariat responsible for implementing AU policies.

Pan-African Parliament

265 representatives elected by member-state legislatures; acts as the voice of the African people and implements AU policies.

Peace and Security Council

AU body of 15 members elected by the Assembly; promotes collective security.

African Court of Justice and Human Rights

Judicial body within the AU to adjudicate legal matters across member states.

Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU)

Consultative body giving voice to civil society within the AU.

Panel of the Wise

Advisory body to the Peace and Security Council, composed of five respected Africans.

African Peer Review Mechanism

Peer-review governance mechanism aimed at promoting good governance among AU members.

ECOWAS

Economic Community of West African States; established 1975; 15 members; aims for regional economic integration and security coordination.

SADC

Southern African Development Community; 16 members; broad economic, social, environmental agenda; moved toward a free trade area in 2008; overlaps with other IOs and is active in security issues.

Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty)

1947 treaty establishing a system of collective security in the Western Hemisphere.

Organization of American States (OAS)

Established in 1948 as the primary forum for inter-American cooperation; focuses on peace, democracy, poverty reduction, and transnational crime; 35 members.

Hemispheric Regionalism

Regional integration efforts across the Americas, often shaped by U.S. influence and a mix of hemispheric and sub-regional initiatives.

La Unión Iberoamericana/LAFTA

Early Latin American trade integration efforts (loose trade agreements) forming part of the first wave of regionalism in the Americas.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

1990s trade bloc among the United States, Canada, and Mexico; later superseded by the USMCA.

Mercosur (Southern Common Market)

Trade bloc established in 1991 (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay; later Venezuela, Bolivia); aims for a common market and deep regional integration.

Andean Community

Andean regional bloc integrating Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru; precursor to broader integration efforts in the region.

Pacific Alliance

Latin American trade bloc of open economies (Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile) focused on deep integration and trade liberalization.

CARICOM (Caribbean Community)

Regional bloc in the Caribbean focused on economic integration and regional cooperation.

ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our Americas)

Leftist regional alliance in Latin America and the Caribbean promoting social welfare and regional sovereignty.

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)

Established in 1989; 21 member economies; forum for economic integration with decisions by consensus and non-binding commitments.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

Established in 1967; 10 members; promotes regional stability and economic growth; known for the 'ASEAN Way' of informal, consensus-based action.

ASEAN Way

Non-confrontational, informal, consensus-based approach emphasizing non-intervention and diplomatic dispute resolution.

ASEAN Structure

Not centralized; dense framework of meetings; small secretariat; decision-making by consensus.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

Established 2001; led by China and Russia; initially security-focused, expanding to economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Transcontinental IGO comprising Muslim-majority states; coordinates on issues affecting Muslims worldwide.

Arab League (League of Arab States)

Established 1945; 22 members; promotes Arab unity and sovereignty; historically relied on as a tool of state policy.

GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)

Established 1981; six homogenous member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE); faces internal discord that can hinder effectiveness.