Is trans-regionalism the new horizon of regionalism?

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Since the end of the Cold war era, North America, Asia and Europe have emerged as the three main economic regions of the world. In 1989, the launch of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation) was aimed at reinforcing trans-pacific relations and building a « Pacific community ». Few years later, ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) was created in order to be the “missing link” between Asia and Europe. Over the years, these initiatives have emerged as a new layer of dialogue and co-operation between regions of the world. These new forums are about fostering trans-regionalism. More global and less formal, trans-regionalism underlines a number of functions which help States manage their international relations. Last but not least, it contributes to an emerging new system of linkages in international relations. – Summary AFRI-2004