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381. Creating a Regional Security Community in Southern Latin America: The Institutionalisation of the Regional Defence and Security Policies

Author:
Daniel Flemes
Publication Date:
12-2005
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
German Institute of Global and Area Studies
Abstract:
Interdependence, collective identities and common institutions are the preconditions for the evolution of a pluralistic security community. While the interaction of the states of Southern Latin America already meets the first two criteria, this article focuses on the third one, particularly the common institutions of the regional defence and security sector. The bilaterally organised defence cooperation has been attested democratic deficiencies because military actors are over-proportionally represented in these committees. Military nationalism and an exaggerated notion of national sovereignty in the military academies of the region can be regarded as cooperation hampering qualifiers. Non-military threats (organised crime, transnational terrorism) have centripetal effects on the subregional cooperation, which is structured multilaterally and shows a relatively high degree of institutionalisation.
Topic:
International Relations, Security, and Regional Cooperation
Political Geography:
South America and Latin America

382. Mexico Is Becoming the Next Colombia

Author:
Ted Galen Carpenter
Publication Date:
11-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Cato Institute
Abstract:
Mexico is a major source of heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine for the U.S. market as well as the principal transit and distribution point for cocaine coming in from South America. For years, people both inside and outside Mexico have worried that the country might descend into the maelstrom of corruption and violence that has long plagued the chief drug-source country in the Western Hemisphere, Colombia. There are growing signs that the “Colombianization” of Mexico is now becoming a reality.
Topic:
Crime and Health
Political Geography:
Colombia, South America, Central America, and Mexico

383. L'espace des homicides et l'espace socioéconomique : l'agglomération de Vitoria-Brésil

Author:
Claudio Zanotelli
Publication Date:
09-2005
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Cultures & Conflits
Institution:
Cultures & Conflits
Abstract:
This article aims at understanding how homicides are distributed within the social space and the urban territory. The main questioning is to know whether homicides are linked to urban fragmentation and to the socioeconomic differentiations between the districts composing the town of Vitoria in the Brazilian State of Espirito Santo. We analyse homicides as revealing the marginalised populations'regulation. The article also deals with the question of homicide related data gathering and police behaviour.
Topic:
Civil Society and Crime
Political Geography:
Europe, France, Brazil, and South America

384. U.S. Policy in Colombia

Author:
William Wood
Publication Date:
06-2005
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Wilson Center
Abstract:
LEE H. HAMILTON: Good morning to all of you. Good morning. Thank you very much for coming to the Wilson Center this morning. We're delighted to have you here.
Topic:
Foreign Policy and Arms Control and Proliferation
Political Geography:
United States, Colombia, and South America

385. Regional Integration After the Collapse of the FTAA

Author:
Raúl Zibechi
Publication Date:
11-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:
Although every Latin American government pays lip service to integration, taking the concrete steps needed to attain it is much more difficult than simply issuing declarations. In the wake of the collapse of the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA), Latin America faces the dilemma of remaining divided and at the mercy of the interests of the great powers, or setting out on the road to continental unity. Even if the forces in favor of integration prevail, the type of integration to be constructed remains to be defined.
Topic:
Government, International Trade and Finance, and Regional Cooperation
Political Geography:
South America and Latin America

386. Timely Demise for Free Trade Area of the Americas

Author:
Laura Carlsen
Publication Date:
11-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:
The stage was set for a showdown. When the Bush cabinet announced intentions to revive the moribund Free Trade Area of the Americas at the Fourth Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, the countries of the Southern Common Market closed ranks to prevent it. What followed was a diplomatic melee that reflects not so much divisions within Latin America, as a growing resistance to the current free trade model throughout the developing world.
Topic:
Economics and International Trade and Finance
Political Geography:
South America, Latin America, and North America

387. Dark Armies, Secret Bases, and Rummy, Oh My!

Author:
Conn Hallinan
Publication Date:
11-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:
It would be easy to make fun of President Bush's recent fiasco at the 4th Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina. His grand plan for a free trade zone reaching from the Artic Circle to Tierra del Fuego was soundly rejected by nations fed up with the economic and social chaos wrought by neoliberalism. At a press conference, South American journalists asked him rude questions about Karl Rove. And the President ended the whole debacle by uttering what may be the most trenchant observation the man has ever made on Latin America: "Wow! Brazil is big!"
Topic:
Economics and Government
Political Geography:
United States, Argentina, South America, and Latin America

388. South America's New Militarism

Author:
Raúl Zibechi
Publication Date:
07-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:
South American societies are militarizing as a result of the regional superpower's intervention, which is undoubtedly a crucial factor on the continent, but also as a consequence of the profound economic and political changes we have come to call neoliberalism.
Topic:
International Relations, Arms Control and Proliferation, and War
Political Geography:
South America

389. The Iglesias Legacy and the IDB's Future

Author:
Nadia Martinez
Publication Date:
06-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:
After 17 years at the helm of Latin America's largest source of development financing, the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is stepping down. Enrique Iglesias is slated to pass the reins to his successor in September. Like the recent fight over the leadership position at the Organization of American States, this contest promises to be a long and arduous process of political negotiation. As the United States attempts to maintain its traditionally hegemonic role in Latin America, Brazil is more boldly gaining some of that ground. And with annual lending to Latin American countries surpassing $8 billion annually, the IDB has significant influence over the region's economies.
Topic:
International Relations and Government
Political Geography:
United States, America, Brazil, South America, and Latin America

390. Washington Doesn't Get Its Way in the OAS: Latin America's Coming of Age

Author:
Laura Carlsen
Publication Date:
04-2005
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Foreign Policy In Focus
Abstract:
The May 2 victory of Chilean Interior Minister José Miguel Insulza as secretary general of the Organization of American States ends one phase of a drama that is only beginning. The showdown over the leadership of the OAS began when Costa Rica's former president Miguel Angel Rodríguez resigned in October 2004 due to corruption charges in his home country. Rodríguez was elected by consensus and had served only three weeks of his five–year term when forced to leave.
Topic:
Foreign Policy and Government
Political Geography:
America, Washington, South America, Latin America, and North America