Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 9.3
Gini coefficient index
In Asia's case, convergence is also detected; inequality between countries has
been declining (Fig.
9.3
). Whether this is due to regional integration or other
factors—or both—remains to be studied. Regardless, the theoretical arguments
above are likely part of the reason. This has an important meaning since the goal
of integration is fundamentally different than in Europe. Regional integration in
Asia has not been based on a singular fixed set of beliefs. It is more market-driven,
facilitated by unilateral investment and trade-enabling policies that change in
different times (flexible), and with awareness of different level of development in
different countries. While achieving “United States of Europe” is the goal in the
European integration, the implicit goal of Asian integration is to manage the
diversity.
5
The deliberate act of forging a common platform including forming
regional institutions and inter-governmental organizations after the 1997/1998
Asian Financial Crisis does not negate such a goal.
5
Recent comment by Vice President of the European Commission, Vivane Reding, who is the
longest serving Brussels commissioner, is simply a re-confirmation. She called for the EU
(European Union) to become a “United States of Europe as the best weapon against the Euro-
skeptics.” She further argued that “We need to build a United States of Europe with the Commis-
sion as government and two chambers
,” implying that individual sovereignty would be
............
a thing of the past.
