Shahmatenko R. International Relations in the Asia-Pacific Region in the Context of the Formation of "Pacific Community" (second half of the twentieth century - beginning of XXI century).

In the thesis the theoretical bases of integration processes in the Asia-Pacific Region are examined. The stages of forming of a regional free trade area in goods, services and investment, which is built on the principles of "open regionalism", are determined. The main problems and challenges to the Pacific integration are analyzed. The current processes of integration in the Asia-Pacific region on the example of APEC are considered. The basic differences between the functioning of other integration associations are showed. The thesis critically conceptualizes the content and nature of the Pacific strategy of the leading Asia Pacific countries. It is defined that the main factors that determine the strategy of the leading Asia-Pacific countries are: hidden rivalries leading countries in the region for a leadership role, the absence of a structure that combines sovereign state in the union with relevant local authorities and the single currency, the presence of large number of foci of potential conflicts over territorial disputes in the region, inter-ethnic and inter-confessional conflict, unstable political situation in some countries.