International Handbook on the Economics of Integration, Volume I

General Issues and Regional Groups

Edited by Miroslav N. Jovanović, Dušan Sidjanski Centre of Excellence in European Studies, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

With this Handbook, Miroslav Jovanović has provided readers with both an excellent stand-alone original reference book as well as the first volume in a comprehensive three-volume set. This introduction into a rich and expanding academic and practical world of international economic integration also provides a theoretical and analytical framework to the reader, presenting select analytical studies and encouraging further research.

这个手册提供了一个全面的参观和我n-depth analysis of the principal economic dimensions of economic intregration and the global economy. Due to diverse range of themes dealt with by the Handbook’s authors it is inevitable that the reader may agree or disagree with the expressed views , but in this lies the Handbook’s significance in that it will inspire more research, articles and books on the subjects covered. In sum, the Handbook provides a wide array of source material and information for potential future research. I would recommend this Handbook to every university library and anyone, scholars and practitioners alike, interested in the far-reaching strands of international economics and integration.’
– Isidora Ljumović, Journal of Economic Integration

‘International Handbook on the Economics of Integration edited by Miroslav Jovanović provides timely and rich academic contributions to considerations of the widest array of integration-related issues. European integration has been providing an inspiration to a number of academics and researchers. The Handbook is a recognition of the dynamic and strong solidarity of European integration. At the same time, the European Union often provided an example for integration schemes throughout the world which spread enormously since the mid-1990s. Leading experts from all continents contributed to this Handbook which will be a valuable input into academic and policy-making discussions and actions.’
– José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission

‘Miroslav Jovanović’s publication represents a rich contribution to the complex issue of regional integration, its benefits, its shortcomings, and its relationship with multilateral trade opening. It sheds light over an issue which is the subject of intense discussions in trade circles.’
– Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the WTO

‘Much has been written on trade agreements as a mechanism to integrate the markets of two or more countries – often inspired by the European example. In recent years, attention has increasingly focused on the importance of economic geography as a determinant of industrial location. This book combines the two strands of analysis, bringing together leading experts in the fields of economic geography and international trade. The result is an outstanding compilation of papers that illuminate how policies and economic forces affect the location of economic activity in an integrated Europe.’
– Bernard Hoekman, Director, The World Bank, US

‘The open multilateral trading system is a tremendous success of the past half century, and has contributed greatly to the world’s unprecedented rate of economic growth. Over the past two decades however, preferential trading arrangements have proliferated, raising questions as to how compatible they are with the open multilateral system, and what policies might be adopted to improve outcomes. The essays in this volume detail the emergence of PTAS and provide comprehensive and up-to-date analyses of the state of play of preferential arrangements in all regions of the world. The volume will provide a useful reference for all those wanting to understand existing preferential arrangements and their role in the international economy today.’
– Anne O. Krueger, Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University, US

‘Economic integration is a complex and multifaceted giant, with a myriad aspects ranging from regional and global concentration and dispersal of economic activity to social and political consequences for individuals and communities in developed and developing countries alike. This landmark, three volume collection of chapters by leading authors, drawn from many fields, is a worthy and timely contribution to the analysis of a phenomenon with profound implications for the future world economy – and its governance.
——詹姆斯·詹Director, Investment & Enterprise Division, UNCTAD