紀要論文

太平洋島嶼地域連合の機能と課題に関する研究 : カリブ海島嶼地域連合との比較分析

Functions and Issues of Regional Association in the Pacific Islands : Comparative Analyses with Regional Association in the Caribbean

jpn

03872610

https://doi.org/10.15002/00007877

法政大学大学院

68

55

70

2012-03

Version of Record

The goal of this paper is to reveal the functions and issues of a regional association in the Pacific Islands (Pacific Islands Forum: PIF) to achieve economic independence of its member countries through viewpoints of the economy of scales. To achieve the goal, it is important to compare the roles of PIF with those in the Caribbean. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was selected because PIF is seeking for establishment of Pacific Single Market and Economy (PSME) modeling CARICOM. Comparative analysis of both PIF and CARICOM was conducted through careful research and review of aid transitions received by the member countries as well as interviews with responsible government officials of four PIF and three CARICOM member countries. It made clear through this research that both regional associations were economically ineffective due to insufficient regional trade activities and provisions of goods and services. However, collective bargaining against developed countries and in international communities was recognized as effective actions in both PIF and CARICOM. It seems that these regional associations have mainly and effectively functioned not economically but politically against developed countries and in international communities. When each country in PIF and CARICOM is categorized based on its dependency on foreign aids, the countries that are dependent on foreign aids tend to view the regional associations as areas to emphasize their common interests. However, those that are not dependent on foreign aids show their dissatisfaction in terms of policy implementation by each country due to their different economic goals and disparities. It seems that there are subtle gaps of effectiveness in both regional associations. By recognizing the above functions and issues of PIF and CARICOM, this paper concludes that it is important to consider the expansion of regional trade and the fulfillment of economic functions to achieve economic independence of PIF member countries.

Article

AN00226113