Rise of regionalism.

In the post-Cold War era, there has been a notable emphasis on studying and evaluating international and regional organizations. Such organizations have the potential to address the security threats faced by their member states and to promote the development of underprivileged regions. Additionally, by increasing trade volumes, member states can become mutually interdependent, which can in turn facilitate the resolution of outstanding conflicts. This is particularly important, as unresolved conflicts can hinder not only the economic development of member states but also that of the wider region. The member states of CICA are currently grappling with various challenges, including extremism, economic difficulties, insurgencies, a lack of cooperation, and longstanding conflicts that have the potential to escalate into armed conflict.

Regional bodies promote integration and help achieve foreign policy goals. The 21st century has seen the rise of 'regionalism' in global politics, with a focus on trade and markets. Economic issues are paramount, but strategic and military concerns also play a role. Churchill's Iron Curtain speech delayed Asian cooperation during the Cold War. Power struggles persist in Asia, but the region has experienced resurgence, contributing substantially to the world's GDP. Asian states are creating their organization, inspired by the EU's progress.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) wields a significant influence in the domain of regional security and peace-building, through the prism of complex interdependence and liberal institutionalism theory. The intergovernmental forum, which consists of 27 member states, is dedicated to fortifying confidence and instilling a spirit of dialogue amongst nations in Asia. Its primary objective is to cultivate trust among member states, by fostering a conducive environment for effective and fruitful discussions. CICA's importance is underscored by its significant contributions to regional peace and stability. The organization provides a platform for member states to engage in meaningful deliberations on crucial security concerns, such as the advocacy of nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and confidence-boosting measures. The organization also encourages cooperation on issues related to terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime.

The role of Kazakhstan's first President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was also crucial in the formation of the...