ABSTRACT
The end of the Cold War and the emergence of a new globalized world order gave rise to increasing scholarly interest in the role of regional organizations (ROs) (Abass 2004, p. xiv; Cordenillo and Ellis 2012; Lind 2004 and Chapter 3 in this book). This may be explained in part by the mushrooming of ROs in many parts of the world, in connection not only with the need for deepening economic and political integration, but also for the need of more operational peace-making. Moreover, the increasing interest of ROs in upholding peace and security through “Chapter VIII” arrangements can be noted in the repeatedly held debates at the United Nations Security Council (Security Council Press Release no. 8153: 20 July 2004). In one such discussion, A Regional-Global Security Partnership: Challenges and Opportunities (August 2006), the Secretary-General of the United Nations subscribed to the vision that “the time is ripe for the establishment of a more effective partnership operating in close cooperation with the Security Council based on a clear division of labour reflecting the comparative advantage of each organization” (Report of the Secretary-General A/61/204-S/2006/590: 20 September 2006). This is in line with the stipulation in the Charter of the United Nations that “regional arrangements” can be mandated by the Security Council to settle regional disputes.
