Multivalence of the Concept of ‘‘Region’’ in the Processes of International Economic Integration

Abstract

The purpose is a theoretical study of the essence of the concept of ‘region’ in the conditions of modern international integration processes, its conceptualisation and analysis of the socio-economic signifi cance of the region. Materials and methods. The main scientifi c approaches used in the study were analytical, comparative, historical and systematic methods. The analytical method was used to analyze existing scientifi c ideas and to reveal key concepts and approaches. The comparative method was used to compare diff erent interpretations of the concept of ‘region’ and identify their similarities and diff erences. The historical method was used to consider the evolution of the concept of ‘region’ in the context of international integration processes. The system approach was used to study the interrelationships between various aspects of the concept of ‘region’ and the development of modern integration processes. Results and discussion. The concept of the region as a complex territorial-economic unit in the modern system of international relations is considered. The author criticises traditional defi nitions of ‘region’ based on geographical determinism, emphasising the importance of economic, political and ideological factors. The article suggests using a systems approach to better defi ne a region by paying attention to its properties, attributes and derived categories. Emphasises that a region can be both an independent entity and part of a larger whole without clear boundaries. Conclusions. The concept of ‘region’ acquires a multifaceted meaning, expressing itself in the formation of international political and economic, not only geographical, regions. In modern international integration conditions, the most optimal approach to the defi nition of ‘region’ is the system approach, which considers the region as a single natural-political-social-economic system.