regionalneutral

Regionalneutral is a political concept describing a regional stance of neutrality in international affairs. A region adopting regionalneutral seeks to avoid membership in military alliances or blocs, refrains from deploying forces in external conflicts, and emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution, humanitarian aid, and regional cooperation as its core mandate.

Typically, regionalneutral is articulated through regional institutions, constitutional provisions, or binding treaties that commit member states to non-alignment in security matters and to prioritize mediation, confidence-building measures, and conflict prevention within the region. It may include a preference for regional mediation over external intervention and a framework for joint crisis response that excludes offensive military action by outside powers. Economic and diplomatic ties are pursued on the basis of neutrality, non-discrimination, and mutual benefit rather than alliance commitments.

Scholars debate the viability and desirability of regionalneutral. Proponents argue it can reduce external pressures, lower the risk of regional arms races, and enhance legitimacy as mediators. Critics warn that neutrality can expose the region to coercion, complicate peacekeeping objectives, and create vulnerabilities when major powers seek leverage. Sustainability depends on clear norms, credible dispute resolution, and durable regional cohesion.

Examples in theoretical literature include discussions of hypothetical or proposed regional bodies seeking to anchor security policy in neutrality rather than collective defense. In practice, few regions have formalized regionalneutral as a binding policy; rather, elements appear in debates about non-aligned or neutral regions, and in discussions of regional security architectures that emphasize mediation and disaster relief over militarized alliances. Related concepts include neutrality, non-alignment, regionalism, and peacebuilding.