Regionalismo y desarrollo sostenible en el Asia Pacífico: El papel del Acuerdo de la Asociación Económica Integral Regional (RCEP) en la consecución de los ODS

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest trade agreement in terms of state participation, bringing together fifteen countries from the Asia-Pacific region. This regional bloc stands out as one of the most economically active zones globally. In light of structural global challenges, such as socioeconomic inequality and non-inclusive growth, the United Nations has proposed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a roadmap for balanced development. This research aims to analyze the extent to which RCEP contributes to the achievement of the SDGs, with a particular focus on Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth) and Goal 10 (reduced inequalities). The theoretical framework combines a neo-Gramscian perspective, the new regionalism approach, and the Theory of Regional Economic Integration. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on documentary research and process tracing. The central argument is that RCEP's compliance with the SDGs remains partial due to its predominantly economic nature, which emphasizes trade liberalization and investment flows. Nevertheless, the research highlights persistent tensions and challenges that hinder the bloc’s ability to advance comprehensively toward these goals, particularly in terms of social equity and inclusive, sustainable development.