Regionalism in the Pacific

While Europe demonstrates tendencies towards

centralization of authority and coordination

through the European Parliament and Commission

and common policies, Pacific regionalism is more

diverse and decentralized. With an estimated 700

governmental and non-governmental organizations

in the Asia-Pacific region overall (Crocombe 2007:

13), it is clear that Pacific regionalism involves several

combinations of actors in different type of formal

and informal organizations with a variety of purposes.

With its history of colonization, ongoing

decolonization and the interplay of the interests of

several regional and global powers, regionalism in the

Pacific Islands is a rich tapestry of organizations that

address issues of concern to different combinations

of countries: global security, economi development,

aid, culture, fisheries and the environment, resources.

and small state interests, for example. Powerful

'non-regional' actors participate in various regional

organizations a members, dialogue partners or donors,

and interact with regional bodies in diverse ways. For

example, Australia, together with New Zealand, plays a

strong role in state-strengthening measures, providing

development assistance, trade promotion and other

forms of cooperation in the Pacific. However, Pacific

Island states are branching out aud have also created a

wide variety of regional and sub-regional organizations.