Democratic conditionality accession clauses have become increasingly common in certain international organisations. Similarly, provisions on suspension of membership because of breaches of democratic order have emerged. Why do regional organisations introduce these kin of clauses? In most cases,...

After 20 years of its foundation, MERCOSUR has failed to meet its declared goals. Far from being a common market and not yet a customs union, it has neither deepened nor (legally) enlarged. All other regionalist projects in Latin America fare even worse, albeit they have arguably fostered...

The region of East Asia has experienced profound changes during the last two decades with the formation of a more region-oriented regional order in the economic and other arenas. Amidst the tendency moving fast towards an increased economic interdependence, there have been growing discussions...