(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2017) Quispe Robles, Javier Luciano
In the last decade South American has been the scenario of different political crises with considerable repercussions on regional stability. In that sense, the participation of regional institutions for the solution of political crises has become increasingly important. This article seeks to understand the scope and limitations of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) for the solution of political crises in the region. Since its origins, Unasur has sought to play an important role in efforts to maintain political stability in South America. However, while in some cases its participation has been effective; in others it has been limited or insufficient. One question remains: What determines Unasur's effectiveness in resolving political crises? This article argues that it is important to observe the interests and actions of the South American States in the face of each crisis to understand the scope of Unasur as an institution that guarantees regional stability. Adopting tools derived from structural realism, it can be observed that Unasur can be effective as long as there is agreement between the regional powers. However, if it does not exist, the action of Unasur is limited and insufficient.This article will analyze the crises of Bolivia in 2008; Ecuador in 2010; the diplomatic conflict between Colombia and Venezuela in 2009-2010; Paraguay in 2012; and Venezuela in 2013. Thus, the article not only studies the effectiveness of Unasur as a regional body, but also discusses the possibilities and limitations of political integration in South America in view of the distribution of power and competition among regional powers.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2017) Ayala Castiblanco, Lizeth Vanessa; Ramírez Bullón, Javier Ernesto
The creation of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) in 2008 seemed to encourage the formation of an alternative regional order to the inter-American system led by the United States. This project emerged in a context characterized by the failure of the FTAA, Brazil's international projection and the strength of South American countries to face the global economic crisis. Such conditions led to the diffusion of post-hegemonic readings to understand the regionalization of South America. Nowadays, however, the quest for regional autonomy is limited both by domestic and regional factors and by systemic forces involved in shaping new regional orders.As part of its nearest influence zone, United States has vital interests in South America that may collide with projects of regional autonomy. Given this context, it is necessary to review how the US hegemony has evolved in the region and how it interrelates with the construction of a South American order. For this purpose, this research will analyze the changes occurred during the presence of the United States in the region at economic, military, political and ideological level. Using a historical perspective, the study finds partial hegemonic declining tendencies that allow a greater agency capacity for the formation of a South American order. However, recent data shows that US economic and military primacy continues to be projected through its major regional partners, questioning the hypothesis of a significant decline in its hegemony.