MULTILATERALISM AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION: AN EXPLORATION OF NEXUS

Abstract

International relations as a field of study is replete with theories and concepts which are
inextricably intertwined to explain phenomenon within the global space. Some of these
theories and concepts are developed to advance meaning to global issues at all time. This
article is therefore an extension of such intellectual recourse as it endeavours to explain
the concept of multilateralism and regional integration as it applies to international
relations. The two concepts as they appear have been used interchangeably by IR scholars
and this should not always be so. It is therefore an attempt to explore the conceptual
clarification of the two concepts that propels the conduct of the research. In a way, the
research attempts to explore the connection between the concepts as well as assessing the
point of departure. The critical assessment of the concepts shows that they cannot be used
interchangeably and if that needs to be done, caveat should be exercised. The
exploration of the concepts therefore shows that they are interconnected but different in
application and semantics.. In terms of methodological orientation, the study employs the
use of content analysis to mine data from all available data sources.