The Role of Regional Organizations in Reducing Regional Challenges; The Case of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)

After World War II, particularly since 1960s, international cooperation gained prominence within the framework of regional organizations by elevating regional cooperation. Expansion of cooperation through regional organizations are deemed as an approach to exit from international crisis, and to multiply power in facing new issues of today’s world. Regionalisation leads to development of economic cooperation, political and security harmonisation. It can reinforce regional peace and security by providing peaceful solutions for existing regional conflicts or potential ones. The Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) replaced the Regional Development Cooperation Organisation with aims of improving conditions for sustainable developments of members, expansion of regional and international trade, facilitating gradual integration with global economy, increased integration amongst public sector of member states and expanding tourism. This article highlights ECO’s role in reducing regional challenges and further integration between member states