| Economic Integration in MENA: The Global, Regional, and Subregional Integration Indices and Their Dynamic Interactions |
Simon M.S. Lo |
| United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates |
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Corresponding Author:
Simon M.S. Lo ,Email: losimonms@yahoo.com.hk |
| Copyright ©2026 The Journal of Economic Integration |
| ABSTRACT |
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We propose a new index based on the gravity model to measure global, regional, and subregional economic integration. Europe, America, Asia, and MENA exhibit different dynamic interactions between these three levels of integration. The MENA region has a distinctive dumbbell integration pattern - strong at the global and subregional levels but weak at the regional level. The panel data cointegration approach reveals that different types of integration are complements but not substitutes. Regional integration has the strongest positive externality in terms of fostering other types of integration. Promoting regionalization is the most efficient policy option.
JEL Classification
F15: Economic Integration
F40: General
F55: International Institutional Arrangements
F64: Environment |
| Keywords:
Integration Index | Globalization | Regionalization | Gravity Model | Cointegration Analysis
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