「新功能主義」(Neo-Functionalism, NF)是研究區域統合(integration) 最常被討論的論述之一，不過近年來新功能主義在內容上已有了很大的轉化:外溢效果(spill-overeffect)不再被視作統合的唯一自變項，而統合也只是「暫時」的依變項，不再是一項必定的結果。

哈斯(Ernst Haas)在新世紀即對其近 50 年前所提之新功能主義提出評論，獲學界高度矚目，頗值關心此議題及關心兩岸發展的人士注意;本文藉助哈斯該文及各方對其論述所做的評論，重新對新功能主義的統合觀點進行探討，並兼敘其對兩岸統合所具之意涵。

Neo-functionalism(NF)is one of the most argumentative theories for dealing with issues of regional integration. Supporters of NF argue that when the spillover effectis created through the process of functional integration, separate entities can construct political systems compatible with each other. Nevertheless, NF, especially that proposed by Ernst Hass, has changed since it was contested by scholars and testified in the literature. Nowadays, it is not valid to argue that the spillover effect can create integration automatically. Neither is the spillover effect the only independent variable for integration, nor is integration a determinable dependent variable, but a temporary one, for spillover effect.

Raising great attention recently, Hass’s NF, as one of the most prominent integration theories in the past fifty years, is suitable for those concerned with cross-strait relations. This paper explores integration concepts by analyzing a paper proposed by Hass in 2004 and comments on Hass’s works by other scholars.