ABSTRACT
The concept of region refers to a number of nation states in a defined geographical region, with some form of common experience and shared identity, however loosely that may be defined. This raises questions of where Europe or Asia begins or ends in territorial terms. The distinctive nature of both the Commission and Council merit some comparative analysis. M. Beeson has pointed out that in the aftermath of the economic crisis in Asia, there has been a certain preoccupation with institutional reform, 'since appropriate institutions were considered a key element of successful public policy'. Consideration could be accorded to a number of institutional and governance factors, which may constitute useful models for discussion of regionalism in Asia. It is important that some form of 'legally and institutionally more formal approaches' to regional integration be developed in East Asia. The European Union possesses a treaty-based set of agreements and these can possibly be emulated in Asia, at a later stage.
