This book investigates efforts to promote the political and economic unification of Latin America. Every generation in the region has known some effort toward these goals. There were four major stages. The first endeavors were undertaken by diplomats, the second by idealists, the third by technocrats and the fourth stage is now dominated by pro-unification political leaders. Efforts toward integration promote the economies and political stability of these countries—Latin Americans were among the first of the old "third world" people to advance such programs.
The political unification of Latin America has been stymied by the political class but this trend is currently being reversed with the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR). The recent accession of Venezuela after a grueling political-ideological struggle (examined in the book) has spurred other countries to seek full membership in the group. It is now the third largest trade bloc in the world and is continuing to grow.
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