This paper proposes a new method to evaluate the composition of regional arrangements focused on increasing intraregional trade and economic integration. In contrast previous studies which take country these arrangements as given, our method uses network clustering algorithm adapted from machine learning literature to identify, in data-driven way, those groups neighboring countries that are...

Abstract Customs unions enable countries to freely access each other’s markets, which is thought increase intra-regional trade and economic growth. However, accession a customs union also comes with the condition that all members need consent common external policy. Especially if feature different structures, this may act as force against creation of large unions. In paper, we propose new mathe...