Many Voices, One Voice. Latin Americas Difficulties in Converting Itself into a True International Actor

Latin America does not manage to operate like an actor in the international scenario. The historical tendency to look towards the United States or Europe rather than towards the neighbors, the different development strategies and the reluctance to cede sovereignty to supra-national bodies, have all impeded greater advances in regional integration. Although there are many organisms and institutions, they duplicate functions and in general have not contributed what was expected of them, as becomes clear when we take into account the fact that intra-regional trade is no more than 15% of the total. This article argues that, although it is not necessary to assume one, common position on all issues in international forum, it is essential to present a common position on all those in which the countries of the region have a common interest. Adapted from the source document.