The bi-pole Cold War system came to an end and a new system of international politics has emerged in its place; one where super-power confrontation is lowered and regional cooperation enhanced. Regional organizations can be said to have gained immense importance as they seek to address virtually all forms of problems of compound interest as is evident in security interest, economic interest, environmental interest, as well as human interest.

Major Functions of Regional Organizations:

1. Promotion of Peace and Security:
-Conflict Resolution: Some examples include regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) that have over the years been involved in conflict resolution and the promotion of peace in their respective regions.
-Collective Security: The NATO has played a vital role of enabling member states feel protected by a security cover, which helps to keep off the risks that may be present.

2. Economic Cooperation:
-Facilitating Trade: They include regional integration, by removing or lowering tariffs, and the harmonisation of regulations on investment to encourage regional integration.
-Economic Development: They have also supported economic development through cooperation in projects, exchange of information and capacity building.

3. Achieving Global Challenges:
-Climate Change: World and regional bodies have continued to combat climate change for example through the EU’s emission reduction plan.
-Human Rights: They have advocated and perhaps normalized human rights within their respective regions and compelled member states on human rights performance.
Examples of Successful Regional Organizations:

-European Union (EU): An economic and political union with one of the highest levels of integration of all regional organizations.
-ASEAN: A vibrant intergovernmental body that has fostered economic development, political stability, security and cooperation in South East Asia.
-African Union (AU): An international body that has greatly transformed its function from being an organ for political domination to being an institution for empowering African peoples for peace, democracy, and economic integration.