The Next Level of Regionalism. Deep Integration of Regio-Regio PTAs

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Problem

1.2 Goal of the Thesis

1.3 Methodology

2 Literature

2.1 Asymmetries and Power

2.2 Actorness in Interregionalism

2.2.1 Types of Interregional Relations

2.2.2 Institutionalization

3 Methodology

3.1 Qualitative Comparative Analysis

3.2 Fuzzy-Set QCA

3.2 Operationalization of Depth

3.3 Sample and Case Selection

3.4 Methodology for the case study

4 The Empirical Chapter

4.1 Measurement of the Conditions

4.1.1 Condition 1: Asymmetric Power

4.1.2 Condition 2: Actorness

4.2 Results of the QCA-Model

4.2.1 Fuzzy-set membership and calibration

4.2.2 Tests for Necessity and Sufficiency – transformational calibration

4.2.3 Tests for direct calibration

4.2.4 Assessment of the Results

4.3 Case Study: The EFTA-Central America PTA

4.4 Future PTAs: A short prognosis

5 Conclusion and further remarks

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis investigates the conditions for deep economic integration within regio-regio Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). By analyzing ten interregional cases, the study addresses the overarching research question of how power asymmetries and the actorness of regional organizations influence the depth of integration in trade deals, particularly outside the traditional multilateral framework of the WTO.

• Analysis of power asymmetry as a driver for deep regional integration.
• Evaluation of regional actorness, including institutionalization, recognition, and interaction.
• Application of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to assess causal paths to integration.
• Investigation of the deviant case of the EFTA-Central America PTA.

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Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Discusses the current state of free trade, the rise of protectionism, and defines the problem of regionalism and the research goals regarding interregional PTAs.

2 Literature: Reviews the debate on multilateralism versus regionalism and introduces the key concepts of power asymmetry and actorness in the context of interregionalism.

3 Methodology: Explains the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method and the operationalization of depth and condition indicators for the study.

4 The Empirical Chapter: Details the measurement of conditions, presents the results of the QCA model, and provides a specific case study on the EFTA-Central America PTA.

5 Conclusion and further remarks: Summarizes the findings on sufficient conditions for deep PTAs and reflects on the limitations and future prospects for interregional trade integration.

Keywords

Interregionalism, Preferential Trade Agreements, PTAs, Regional Organizations, Qualitative Comparative Analysis, QCA, Asymmetry, Power, Actorness, Economic Integration, World Trade System, Trade Dependency, Regio-Regio, Multilateralism, Regional Trade Agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis focuses on explaining the conditions that lead to "deep integration" in trade agreements negotiated between regional organizations or groups of countries, known as regio-regio or interregional PTAs.

What are the primary theoretical themes?

The study centers on the concepts of power asymmetry between negotiating parties and the actorness of the involved regional organizations, examining how these factors influence the outcomes of trade negotiations.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to determine whether high levels of power asymmetry or high levels of regional actorness are sufficient or necessary conditions for achieving deep integration in trade agreements.

Which scientific methodology is utilized?

The author employs a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), specifically a fuzzy-set QCA model, to compare ten interregional PTAs and identify causal patterns.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body covers the theoretical debate between regionalism and multilateralism, the definition and measurement of conditions (asymmetry and actorness), the empirical QCA modeling, and a qualitative case study on the EFTA-Central America PTA.

Which keywords best characterize the research?

Key terms include Interregionalism, Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Asymmetry, Actorness, and economic integration.

Why did the author conduct a specific case study on EFTA-Central America?

The author identified this PTA as a "deviant case" within the QCA model, as it demonstrated deep integration despite low scores for asymmetry and actorness, necessitating a more detailed investigation into the bargaining process.

How is the "depth" of a trade agreement measured?

The author uses the "Design of Trade Agreements" (DESTA) database, which quantifies PTA depth using an additive index based on provisions beyond tariff reductions, such as intellectual property, services, and public procurement.