Micro Regionalism and Globalization - Essay Example

Micro Regionalism and GlobalizationMicro regionalism and globalization indicate the dominance of myriad economic forces that influence development of the states. Indeed, the economic forces comprising of trans-border production and trade flows, new investment pattern etc. highlight the concerted efforts to exploit the advantages and disadvantages of the region for socio-economic development of the same. The various lobbies like South-South cooperation, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation or SAARC etc.

are important economic and political motivated organizations that give impetus to micro regionalism. The new scale of economy and the leverage gained through regional cooperation goes a long way in establishing global presence of small states, while ensuring their unique identity (Breslin & Hook, 2002). Globalization, on the other hand is primarily motivated by the political ideology and economic interests to exploit opportunities across wider geographical area. It is backed by technology and migration of people across the globe.

It has opened new job opportunities across globe and facilitated greater inflow of capital to the poor countries. But it has also brought into sharp focus of the hegemony of the rich and the powerful nations like America who exploit small regional states for their vested interests. Hence, one can state that socio-economic forces of micro regionalism are stronger than that of globalization mainly because micro regional dynamics provide the states with greater leverage to exploit their resources and promote regional development for higher bargaining power, especially with the West.

OPEC is prime example of micro regionalism that has established its global entity with strong influence on the price and trading of petroleum products. (words: 267)ReferenceBreslin, S., and Hook, G. D. (2002) Micro regionalism and world order, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.