Ch 4 section 4: Geopolitical Framework: Redrawing the Map

Intraregional cooperation/antagonism… Organization of American States: (OAS) chartered in 1948 this supranational organization was established to achieve among its member states, as stated in Article 1 of its Charter, “an order of peace and justice, to promote their solidarity, to strengthen their collaboration, and to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and their independence.”

Intraregional cooperation/antagonism… Free Trade Area of the Americas – (FTAA) The Heads of State and Government of the 34 democracies in the region agreed to construct a Free Trade Area of the Americas, or FTAA, in which barriers to trade and investment will be progressively eliminated (Talks towards the establishment of the FTAA began in December of 1994, however, the failure of the latest summit to keep FTAA alive has meant that there is little chance for a comprehensive trade agreement in the foreseeable future.)

Intraregional cooperation/antagonism MERCOSUR – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay & Uruguay formed this trade agreement in 1991(Bolivia & Chile are assoc. members). GOAL - primary objective is the integration of the four member nations through the free movement of goods, services and factors of production; the establishment of a Common External Tariff (CET); and the adoption of a common commercial policy coordinating and harmonizing legislation in trade related areas. Google Translate

Conquest & territorial division of Latin America… Spain & Portugal are the major imperial powers in this region & the Treaty of Tordesillas set forth that the eastern half of the “Atlantic world” would go to Portugal & the west to Spain. (Pope drew boundary). Portugal developed Brazil’s coast, established sugar estates & mined its interior; Spain aggressively settled its territory changing the political, economic & social systems that were in place.

Revolution & independence… Revolutions began around 1810 & lasted through the century; Brazil evolved from a colony into a single republic in 1889; Spain’s colonies were more fragmented – (called “viceroyalties”) & there were attempts at forming one political unit…

Together or Separate? Revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar several colonies to form one independent state; Gran Colombia combined colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador & Panama for a short time; United Provinces of Central America combined Guatemala, Honduras, ElSalvador, Nicaragua & Costa Rica to avoid being annexed by Mexico). Both were short lived. “If the Spanish colonial territory had remained unified politically, it would have the 3 rd highest population in the world today!”

Border problems… The division of Spanish & Portuguese colonies into administrative units provided the basis for the boundaries of the modern nations of Latin America. Unfortunately, those boundaries were not clearly defined & that became a source of conflict for newly emerging nation states.

Continued… Numerous border wars erupted in the 19 th & 20 th centuries…examples – War of the Pacific – Chile expanded north and took away Bolivia’s access to the Pacific War between Mexico & the US in the 1840’s War of the Triple Alliance – long & very costly in terms of loss of life – fought over control of the Parana River Basin. Chaco War – Brazil vs. Paraguay; Argentina vs. G. Br. over control of Falklands.

Political stability in LA… For some nations, Constitutions have been written & revised frequently; Military coups have happened frequently; Dictators once outnumbered elected leaders, however since the 1980’s that trend has changed & gov’ts. Have worked for political & economic reform. LONGSTANDING PROBLEMS: slow economic growth/poverty and insurgent groups funded by robust drug trade.

Subnational Organizations Groups that represent areas or people within the state.

Supranational organizations Governing bodies that include several states;