is an economic actor (especially in world trade), a political actor in global politics
(even when members cannot agree amongst themselves), and a security actor (even
without as eVective a military capability as its major transatlantic partner would wish
it to possess). This is its unique characteristic.
While regionalization processes can be observed throughout the world, there is
no single model of regionalization. But there is a desire for collective action by
societies, through forms of regional cooperation to counter the adverse eVects of
globalization on the one hand, and to maximize the beneWts to be gained from
globalization on the other. But, global governance structures are not monolithic
and regional governance systems display great diVerences in both scope and
capacity to maintain order as countries make choices that reXect their own needs
and political commitments.
The EU has developed sophisticated regulatory frameworks through its institu-
tional architecture and the crystallization of common policies in areas such as
trade and investment. Other regions are developing diVerent regulatory and govern-
ance frameworks. While all, in their own ways, are aiming towards regional
governance systems that can be considered not only eVective but also democratic,
legitimate, and inclusive, the EU remains the major exercise in intergovernmental
decision-making to date. We can say this for several reasons:
. Although contested, Europe does have an integrated governance system, linking
institutional structures, policies, and legal instruments that bring together the
national and supranational levels of decision-making and policy implementation.. European approaches to governance have developedXexible and multidimen-
sional concepts of sovereignty in the international system. These ideas of
sovereignty contrast with the bounded, state-based/intergovernmental charac-
terizations of sovereignty and international relations to be found in most
non-European practice and analysis.. In individual policy areas (for example, trade) Europe has a regulatory
framework unequaled at the global level. Only Europe, of all regional actors,
negotiates within the WTO as a single actor.. Europe is already engaged in a web of transregional and interregional coopera-
tive relations with other groupings, based upon either formal, institutional
dialogue or more informal agreements. Interinstitutional cooperation has in-
creased. Although often misunderstood, the Asia–Europe (ASEM) process,
EU–Mexico, EU–Mercosur, and the Cotonou Agreements with the African,
Caribbean, and PaciWc States reXect aspirations of regional groups to build
a density of relations and foster trust fundamental to a global governance
framework.. The EU governance model relies heavily on the rule of law. The role of the
European Court of Justice (ECJ) is crucial in ensuring a system that is both
eVective and fair. The ECJ is thus a political actor, as much as a legal one. It is622 richard higgott