ABSTRACT
It should be pointed out at the outset that the concept of regionalism does not represent a new phenomenon in human history. A concept of old regionalism contained features of a bipolar world imitating the position of the two leading powers, as well as basic characteristics of the Cold War policy. Old regionalism was not of an open nature; it was internally oriented, designed for its members only and it was oriented towards the military and economic areas; in the case of the latter, it usually had a protectionist character. Unlike old regionalism, new regionalism emerges at the time of intensive economic contacts between the states and the existence of multilateral organizational structures (GATT/WTO) aimed at helping the states organize their business relationships. Although the development of new regionalism demonstrates the growing trend and a stronger mutual cooperation between various entities at different levels, it also proves that there is no single worldwide model of new regionalism.
