The Fragmentation of Globalization: Is Regionalism the Future of International Cooperation?

BIPSS Research Intern Naima Jinat explores in this commentary how the changing nature of globalization has created space for regionalism as a new approach to international economic and strategic cooperation. It explores the major factors behind the growing preference for regionalism, including supply-chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical rivalry, economic security and the need for greater resilience. The commentary also examines emerging regional blocs such as the EU, ASEAN, RCEP and AfCFTA, and analyzes how regional cooperation is increasingly linked with geopolitical power and strategic alignment. It further assesses the advantages and limitations of regionalism and argues that regionalism is unlikely to completely replace globalization, as many contemporary challenges require global cooperation. The commentary concludes that the emerging international order is more likely to be characterized by regionalized globalization, where regional cooperation strengthens resilience while remaining connected to the wider global system.