Describe five (5) characteristics/factors which are important for regional integration and why?

1 Informal linkages and transactions derived primarily from economic activity (include political and social aspects also)

2 Regional awareness and identity; mixture of historical, cultural and social traditions Belonging to a particular community

3 Regional interstate co-operation; States or governments may sponsor agreements and co-operation amongst themselves to manage common problems and enhance the role of the state and power of the government

4 State – promoted regional economic integration:

Most common form of regionalism, Governments and business interests pursue economic integration (Differ in terms and depth  Mercantilism VS. Liberalism)

5. Regional cohesion Combination of these four processes might lead the emergence of cohesive and consolidated regional unit (EU, internal affairs and global politics)