Renewed interest in regionalism has surfaced in Latin America in the last few years. Leaders view regionalism as an effective strategy to promote economic development, leverage their influence in international organizations and achieve larger gains in trade negotiations.
The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Bolivarian Alliance of the Americas (ALBA), and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) are the newest regional groups that have expanded their agendas from the primarily economic interests of their predecessors in order to advance political goals. These organizations promote the convergence of different policies among their members, including security and foreign policy.
This panel brings together a group of experts to explore the causes and consequences of new regionalism in Latin America, the scope and future of regional organizations, and Washington’s position toward these new groups.