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Hierarchical Regional Systems and the Politics of System Boundaries

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  • Zimmerman, William

Abstract

A hierarchical regional system may be defined as a regional international system composed of a single Great Power and a number of relatively small states. This article attempts to clarify the conditions under which member states of a hierarchical regional system, including both the great-power regional hegemon and the relatively small powers, seek to influence the salience that boundaries have for such a system. Scholars and policymakers alike may use several criteria in defining the boundaries of a regional system: 1) A system may be delimited geographically; 2) marked discontinuities in transactional interchanges (language, trade patterns, communication flows) may serve to set it off from the general international system as may common membership in formal international organizations; 3) boundaries may similarly be established by emphasizing behavioral criteria, i.e., by identifying norms especially pertaining to conflict management and resolution which are specific to a group of states. Unless otherwise specified, I employ the last definition throughout this article.

Suggested Citation

  • Zimmerman, William, 1972. "Hierarchical Regional Systems and the Politics of System Boundaries," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(1), pages 18-36, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:intorg:v:26:y:1972:i:01:p:18-36_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Garzón Pereira, Jorge F., 2014. "Hierarchical regional orders: An analytical framework," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 36(S1), pages 26-46.

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