NEW ASIAN REGIONALISM IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC LAW

Pasha L. Hsieh's book sees the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (hereinafter "RCEP") as well as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (hereinafter "CPTPP") as evidence of the emergence of "new Asian regionalism." He argues that the "new Asian regionalism has emerged amid the third wave of global regionalism and contributed to the New Regional Economic Order." What makes his book unique is that a legal perspective underlies his analysis throughout the book. He envisages that the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (hereinafter "FTAAP") can be brought into reality through pathways of the CPTPP and the RCEP as well as the trade and investment agreements between, on one hand, Singapore and Vietnam, and the EU on the other. It should not be forgotten that the political and economic landscape has dramatically changed since the idea of the FTAAP was first officially endorsed in 2006. One must ask whether the goal that was envisioned at that time remains valid in today's world. Nonetheless, his book serves as an essential roadmap to help us understand and navigate the complex landscape of regionalism.