This paper focuses on the diffusion of regionalism, regional organizations (ROs), and regional governance pertaining to particular issue-areas. I begin by conceptualizing diffusion in terms of initial stimuli, objects of diffusion, mechanisms, and outcomes. I then review the existing literature focusing, first, on the diffusion of regionalism and regional orders per se, second, of institutional designs for ROs, and, third, of regional governance pertaining to specific policy areas. I argue that the diffusion of regionalism, institutional designs, and regional governance is primarily determined by indirect mechanisms of emulation rather than by direct - “sender driven” - influence mechanisms. As far as emulation is concerned, we observe few examples of mimicry leading to institutional isomorphism. Competition, lesson drawing, and normative emulation are the most important diffusion mechanisms by which regionalism spreads. As to diffusion outcomes, we rarely observe full-scale adoption or convergence around specific models of regional cooperation and integration. The most likely outcome of diffusion with regard to regional cooperation and integration is adaptation and transformation.
