The Americas in Transition : The Contours of Regionalism

The FTA, MERCOSUR, the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, NAFTA, the Summit of the Americas—do these constitute building blocs in the construction of a new regional system? This book explores that question, offering an assessment of the state of regionalism in the Americas. The authors first outline the regionalist project—which they view as essentially a U.S. initiative—and analyze the environment in which it has evolved. They then focus on the reactions and strategies of the various actors involved. The final chapter of the book seeks to articulate the present contours of regionalism in the Americas and to identify future trends. Contents Acknowledgments 1 Hemispheric Regionalism in Perspective Part 1 The Regionalist Project and Its Environment 2 The Origins, Nature, and Scope of the Hemispheric Project 3 The Structural Contexts of Hemispheric Regionalism: Power, Trade, Political Culture, and Economic Development 4 NAFTA and Mercosur: Two Competing Models? Part 2 Actors' Strategies 5 U.S. Foreign Policy and the Regionalist Option in the Americas 6 From Warmth to Coolness: The U.S. Congress and the Free Trade Issue in the Americas, 1988-1996 7 Brazil's Alternative Vision 8 Building Role and Region: Middle States and Regionalism in the Americas 9 The Organization of American States and Hemispheric Regionalism 10 Business and Integration in the Americas: Competing Points of View 11 Social Movements in the Americas: Regionalism from Below? Part 3 Conclusion 12 A Provisional Assessment Acronyms and Abbreviations Bibliography The Contributors Index About the Book The FTA, Mercosur, the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, NAFTA, the Summit of the Americas - do these constitute building blocks in the construction of a new regional system? This book explores that question, offering an assessment of the state of regionalism in the Americas.