Regional Integration in Northeast Asia: Assessing Conditions

Northeast Asia, which consists of Japan, the Koreas, Mongolia, China and Russia, is the least integrated region in the world. However, there is a lot of speculation that current turbulent circumstances are spurring greater cooperation and integration in this divided region. China's emergence as the major economic power and global player in world politics is the main significant motor that is changing the status quo. The study argues that the region has become more prone to regional integration now and aims to analyze the background conditions for regional integration present. The theory of neofunctionalsim is used to identify the basic conditions for regional integration and, in relation to it, the factors that were hindering the regional projects previously would be looked at. I contend that the obstacles impeding regional integration have become fewer, while motives for integration increased, thus fueling the talks about the breakthrough in regionalism in Northeast Asia. Nevertheless, there is still not enough political and elite will among the countries to initiate closer regional ties, which consitute the main hindrance for regional integration for now.