Regionalization, Globalization, and Nationalism: Convergent, Divergent, or Overlapping?

Uses empirical examples from Latin America to support the argument that globalization, regionalization, & nationalism -- the three overlapping forces that shape contemporary world politics -- are relative to one another in either a cooperative or an antagonistic, but never a harmonious, manner. Different definitions of globalization, regionalization, & nationalism are discussed, along with possible ways in which they interact, including divergent, convergent, & overlapping trends. It is maintained that, regardless of the type of linkage, the role of the nation-state is uncertain & constantly changing in relation to the forces of globalization & regionalization. Emergence of pluralistic security communities are examined as an example of the complex interaction between the three forces, & different patterns in various regions of Latin America are explored as models of regionalization & integration. It is contended that the Latin American case is characterized by multiple efforts toward both regionalization & globalization, as well as regionalism at the pan-America & Latin American levels, resulting in a complex network of various types of linkages. Implications for the preservation of democracies are discussed. J. Lindroth