Regimes and Regionalism in Comparative and International Education: Cooperation and Competition

Parreira do Amaral, M.

Abstract

Regime and Regionalization theories share attempts to conceive of and explain international cooperation and competition in education; both theoretical lenses aim at grasping forms of international rule-governed activity that go beyond the state-centered domain to also include non-state and/or private actors at the national as well as at inter- and transnational levels. The chapter begins by providing a historical overview and development of Regime and Regionalization theories. Second, it elaborates on key conceptual distinctions, highlighting central analytical contributions, thereby distinguishing Regime and Regionalism theories from competing approaches. In a third step, their application to comparative and international research in education is reviewed to provide a concise account of central adaptations and contributions, drawing attention to their relevance for current research in the field. The chapter is rounded out by a brief discussion of ongoing debates and critiques.