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Regional International Systems. LATIN AMERICA. What is a regional system ?. Consists of a set of geographically proximate and regularly interacting states that share to some degree a sense of regional identify and are so perceived by external actors - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Regional International Systems
LATIN AMERICA
What is a regional system?
Consists of a set of geographically proximate and regularly interacting states that share to some degree a sense of regional identify and are so perceived by external actors
These same criteria also identify further subsystems within the region
Critical Dimensions of any Regional International System
Boundaries and ActorsPerceptionsInteractions
Geographical Demarcation: Latin America
Northern Mexico to Cape Horn 605 million people (estimate, 2010)8.5% of total population 33 sovereign statesNatal only 1,900 miles from Africa Small remainder: British, Dutch, French and U.
S. dependencies
Characteristics of states in the region that reflect “age” as independent
states & culture)
Ibero-America (eighteen states with varying international capabilities)
Luso America – refers to BrazilHaiti - broke from France in 1804New states
12 former British coloniesSuriname (independent 1975)
External Sector of Latin American Regional System (Two Dimensions)
States outside the regional boundaries that have significant relations with actors of the region
Political dependencies located within the regional boundary controlled by external states (United Kingdom, France the Netherlands, and the United States
Important External Powers Great Britain – pivotal in 19th centuryUnited States – important in 19th century,
been most significant external actor in 20th century, remains highly influetial
Russia/Soviet Union – intrusive during the Cold War, sales of military equipment
France – strong cultural influence, military equipment
Japan – economic force since 1970’s China – recently surpassed Japan as
economic force in region
Important Non-state Actors
Holy See and the institutional structure of the Roman Catholic Church
Multi-national corporationsTrans-national political parties
Most originate in EuropeSome influence by Republicans and Democrats
Drug/Criminal cartelsLabor organizations
Perceptions Influencing Regional Behavior of Latin American Actors
Regional self-consciousness (push-pull)Economic integration projects related to
perceptions of global weaknessRegional international organizations also
seen as useful in “belling the cat”
Regularity of Interaction
Regional economic organizationsLAFTA (1963), reorganized as LAIA)SELA (1975) Mercosur
Latin American parliamentCreated in 1963Resurrected in the 1990’s
Rio Group (90% of region’s population)UNASUR
Latin American Regional Subsystem I: Mexico
Part of North America: so close to the United States
Inward turn following 19th century diminution and 1917 revolution
NAFTA seals turn to the “north”Exercises significant influence in Central
America
Caribbean Basin
Latin American Regional Sub-system II: The Circum Caribbean
Local and external states participate in subsystem
ComponentsCentral America & Yucatan peninsula Islands of Caribbean Northern coast of South America
U.S. presence close to hegemonic Commonwealth Caribbean sometimes functions
as its own subsystem
Regional Sub-system III: The Southern Cone
Members: Argentina, Brazil, Chile Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and sometimes Ecuador
Relatively isolated from mainstream of international politics
Rivalry between Brazil & Argentina United States only one of several influential
external powers Concern with Antarctica
Regional Sub-system IV: Brazil
An actor separate from the Southern Cone as well as part of it
Interest in regional economic integrationAmazon Basin (Amazon Pact – 1978) MERCOSUR UNASUR
Global power pretensionsNuclear programsWeapons production industriesHeavy industry and high technology