ABSTRACT
Having assumed that Northeast Asian regionalism1 arises from economic interdependence and interconnection, one must acknowledge one hypothesis which suggests that such economic interdependence is immediately confronted with the likelihood stressed by realist theories of international relations, that nation-states are destined to conflict in pursuing their interests in the global system. In this chapter it will be argued that the development of Northeast Asian regionalism was achieved through the collective decisions of nation-states. In doing so, it is appropriate to ask whether Northeast Asian regionalism has acquired sufficient dynamism to sustain its current economic momentum and to attain an atmosphere of Northeast Asian cooperation. Will co-operation among the Northeast Asian political actors endure now that the major external incentive to stick together - the threat of the Cold War - has gone? In short, what will be the future of Northeast Asian regionalism in the global system?
