Regionalism and regional organisations: exploring the dynamics of institutional formation and change in Latin America

Bianculli, Andrea C.

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/s41268-022-00253-3

Regionalism and regional organisations: exploring the dynamics of institutional formation and change in Latin America

Citation

Bianculli AC. Regionalism and regional organisations: exploring the dynamics of institutional formation and change in Latin America. Journal of International Relations and Development. 2022 Jun;25(2):556-81. DOI: 10.1057/s41268-022-00253-3

Abstract

Two elements define regional integration in Latin America: its extension in time and its plurality. Analyses abound regarding the drivers underlying regional cooperation, the specific institutional design, its effects, and impact. However, studies have not yet provided full answers to the question of how regional institutions emerge and change through time in Latin America. To investigate this rather underexplored issue, I contribute a dynamic analytical framework whereby interests and ideas are taken as factors that interact with each other within a specified institutional environment, thus shaping processes of institutional creation, change and development. The argument advanced is that whereas the role of states and presidents remains constant, ideas and the existing regional organisations face presidents with either limitations or resources depending on the degree of synergy and convergence between states’ material interests and regional ideas and institutions. Based on the particular ideational and institutional configuration, three patterns of change may emerge: creation, conversion, and layering. The paper draws on comparative regionalism and institutionalism studies and empirically explores more than 25 years of regional cooperation in Latin America. Focus is on the comparative assessment of the Common Market of the South and the Union of South American Nations.