MANY SMALL STATES, TWO REGIONS,DIFFERENT CONSTRUCTIONS

摘要

In both the Caribbean and the South Pacific formal regional political groupings have been in existence since the early 1970s. These organizations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Pacific Islands Forum (the Forum) respectively, have many similarities but despite their similarities, the pace and direction of region-building by CARICOM and the Forum have differed considerably.In this paper I examine the development of the two organizations, their relationships with other multilateral organizations within their regions, and the ways they are facing the challenges presented by the current international environment. I compare and contrast the institutional development of each organization and suggest ways each could learn from the other.