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A New Field of Rivalry in the Indo‐Pacific: IPEF Versus RCEP?

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  • Eleni Chytopoulou

Abstract

After the Second World War and decolonization, the creation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has stood as a beacon of multilateral cooperation and a testament to the strength and resilience of Southeast Asian countries in their efforts to strengthen trade and economic development. Today, ASEAN has emerged as a global financial powerhouse, guiding multilateral cooperation, and occupying a pivotal role in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The ascent of China and India, particularly, has nevertheless stirred concerns in the West, as they reemerge to challenge their dominance in shaping global trade rules. The potential ensuing shift in power dynamics has prompted the United States to respond, launching in 2022 the Indo‐Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), and attempting to establish a new order in the Indo‐Pacific. This article aims to respond to the question of whether the rivalry between RCEP and the IPEF may produce adverse effects and influence geopolitical stability. 二战后, 随着非殖民化进程的推进, 东南亚国家联盟 (东盟) 的成立成为多边合作的灯塔, 也证明了东南亚国家在加强贸易和经济发展方面展现出的实力和韧性。如今, 东盟已崛起为全球金融强国, 引领着多边合作, 并在区域全面经济伙伴关系协定 (RCEP) 中扮演着关键角色。然而, 中国和印度的崛起, 尤其是它们对西方的挑战, 引发了西方的担忧, 因为它们正在重新挑战西方在塑造全球贸易规则方面的主导地位。由此可能出现的权力格局转变促使美国做出回应, 于2022年启动了印太繁荣经济框架 (IPEF), 试图在印太地区建立新的秩序。本文旨在探讨RCEP与IPEF之间的竞争是否会产生不利影响, 并危及地缘政治稳定。 Tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial y la descolonización, la creación de la Asociación de Naciones del Sudeste Asiático (ASEAN) se ha erigido como un referente de cooperación multilateral y un testimonio de la fortaleza y resiliencia de los países del Sudeste Asiático en sus esfuerzos por fortalecer el comercio y el desarrollo económico. Hoy en día, la ASEAN se ha convertido en una potencia financiera mundial, guiando la cooperación multilateral y desempeñando un papel fundamental en la Asociación Económica Integral Regional (RCEP). Sin embargo, el ascenso de China e India, en particular, ha suscitado inquietud en Occidente, ya que resurge para desafiar su dominio en la configuración de las normas comerciales globales. El posible cambio resultante en la dinámica de poder ha impulsado a Estados Unidos a responder, lanzando en 2022 el Marco Económico Indopacífico para la Prosperidad (IPEF) e intentando establecer un nuevo orden en el Indopacífico. Este artículo busca responder a la pregunta de si la rivalidad entre la RCEP y el IPEF podría tener efectos adversos e influir en la estabilidad geopolítica.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleni Chytopoulou, 2026. "A New Field of Rivalry in the Indo‐Pacific: IPEF Versus RCEP?," World Affairs, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 189(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:woraff:v:189:y:2026:i:1:n:e270057
    DOI: 10.1002/waf2.70057
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