This document discusses regional integration and economic integration. It outlines the stages of economic integration from free trade areas to political unions. It provides examples of integrated economies like the European Union, NAFTA, and ASEAN. The EU was formed to prevent future wars and create closer economic cooperation between European countries. NAFTA removed tariffs and barriers between the US, Canada, and Mexico. ASEAN fosters free trade and industrial cooperation among Southeast Asian nations. Regional integration aims to increase trade, consensus, employment, and investment while reducing conflicts between countries.