Multilateral Organizations in Latin America: Toward a Regional Integration Process? DOI: http://dx.doi.org.10.18847/1.22.6

Abstract

The idea of an integrated Latin America was born at the same time the American Republics, promoted by Bolivar under the label of “Patria Grande”. This article analyses the integration projects launched in the region since 1950, when the European Communities were also created. In Latin America, despite the cultural similarity of the countries, integration has not been that successful, so this is still a work in progress. Therefore, several regional and subregional organizations have been created over time, overlapping the member states and the goals, but creating their own institutions and rules. This draws a complex panorama where, nevertheless, there are good opportunities if political concertation and cooperation are prioritized, as a previous step towards a real integration.