We all know that European regionalism is not a universal model. Yet, we still lack a global theory of regionalism. While the development of regionalism varies significantly across different parts of the world, there must be a common logic underlying them. This paper proposes a unified global theory to explain the worldwide development of regionalism. States often attempt to form a bloc in which they can exercise leadership by excluding rivals, frequently utilizing the concept of "region". Consequently, exclusionary regional groupings driven by dominance-oriented states proliferate—a phenomenon common to all parts of the world. However, the extent to which overlapping exclusionary regionalism proliferates varies across different parts of the world. Why? Because the "local distribution of power" differs. For instance, in a part of the world where a single major state is surrounded by many minor states, the major state can pursue regionalism with relative ease. Conversely, in a part of the world with multiple major states and a limited number of surrounding minor states, various regionalism projects emerge and dissolve. This paper theorizes a global analitical framework for regionalism, with particular reference to four types of local power distribution that engender distinct dynamics in regional institution-building.
