The Logic of UNASUR: Its Origins and Institutionalization
Author
Kašpar, Petr
Term
4. term
Publication year
2011
Abstract
This thesis examines the origins and institutionalization of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) through a single-case study set within the broader history of South American regionalism. After outlining earlier projects such as the Andean Community (CAN), MERCOSUR, and ALBA and the two waves of regionalism, the study asks why UNASUR was created amid overlapping memberships and ambitious promises of a continental union, a parliament, and a common currency. Using neofunctionalism and liberal intergovernmentalism as analytical lenses and drawing on official UNASUR declarations and treaties, the thesis analyzes the organization’s structure and practices. The early record suggests that UNASUR achieved some diplomatic coordination, especially in crisis management, but that its most ambitious plans remain unrealized and its institutionalization limited, operating largely as a political forum. By clarifying the context, motives, and institutional dynamics behind UNASUR’s creation, the thesis contributes to understanding contemporary South American regional integration.
Denne afhandling undersøger oprindelsen og institutionaliseringen af Unionen af Sydamerikanske Nationer (UNASUR) gennem et enkeltcasestudie, placeret i den bredere historie om sydamerikansk regionalisme. Efter at have skitseret tidligere projekter som Andesfællesskabet (CAN), MERCOSUR og ALBA samt de to bølger af regionalisme, stiller studiet spørgsmålet, hvorfor UNASUR blev oprettet midt i overlappende medlemskaber og ambitiøse løfter om en kontinentalsammenslutning, et parlament og en fælles valuta. Med neofunktionalisme og liberal mellemstatslighed som analytiske rammer og med udgangspunkt i UNASURs officielle erklæringer og traktater analyserer afhandlingen organisationens struktur og praksisser. Den tidlige udvikling peger på, at UNASUR har opnået en vis diplomatisk koordinering, især i krisehåndtering, men at de mest ambitiøse mål forbliver uindfriede, og at institutionaliseringen er begrænset, idet den i høj grad fungerer som et politisk forum. Ved at klarlægge konteksten, motiverne og de institutionelle dynamikker bag UNASURs tilblivelse bidrager afhandlingen til forståelsen af nutidig sydamerikansk regional integration.
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