Series: Routledge Advances in International Relations and Global Politics

How effective are democracy clauses of regional integration organisations (RIOs) in promoting democratisation and democratic consolidation among member-states? RIOs are increasingly adopting "democracy only" clauses in their treaties, requiring democracy and political stability as a condition of membership. Stable democracy is a collective good for RIO members; without political stability, uncertainty regarding economic exchange increases, undermining the promise of integration....

In the last few decades, Southeast Asia has become generally more peaceful and prosperous, with progress in economic development, regional cooperation, and integration. ASEAN in particular plays a leading role within and beyond the region in promoting multilateral cooperation in both security and economic matters. All these developments progress amid increasing hegemonic competition between the US and China for regional...