Diplomats, idealists, and technocrats: The long quest for Latin American integration

This dissertation examines attempts to create a politically unified Latin America from 1824 through 1970. These efforts began because of the dissatisfaction with the nation-state system. The supporters of unionism argued the new state system that arose after the wars of independence was unsuitable to the demands of modernity. Unionism is not only a movement, it is an ideology. It is the product of classical liberalism, liberal socialism, nationalism, and the cold war.; The first efforts to unify Latin America appeared, predictably, with political leaders and their diplomats. Numerous plans for reunification were promoted by this group, the most notable was the Panama Congress, which failed. Nevertheless, a number of diplomats sought through their own initiatives to revive the movement, by demonstrating to their leaders, that interest in the idea remained. Political rulers were weary of such plans, always cognizant of past failures, and fearful of losing their own power base, which would have threatened by successful unification.; Impatient with the failure of diplomatic initiatives, idealists took over the unionist movement. Their work began in the late 1850s and was carried on until the late 1940s. They believed they could convert the Latin American populations to unionism with their pen. Some idealists engaged in politics, but failed to acquire political power.; With the dawn of regionalism, in the 1950s, supporters of political union believed their goal could be achieved via economic integration. Their hope was that a common market similar to the European Economic Community would eventually bind Latin America. Political figures, however, were reluctant to discuss the potential for political unification. Such talk was best left to expert technocrats. Gustavo Magarinos claimed that the integration movement of the 1950s was a "conspiracy of technocrats." This clearly indicates that some technocrats thought they could wrest initiatives from politicians by economically binding the interests of member states, and thus provide a fait accompli to political leaders. As a prelude, the technocrats designed the Latin American Free Trade Association, which was formed to facilitate the transition to a common market. This effort raised interest in the United States and the world, but provincial interests and fears defeated the establishment of a common market. LAFTA eventually ceased to operate in 1980.; Unionists continue to struggle for success. The supporters of unionism are employing a new strategy with the use of subregional organizations. Several of these blocs have appeared in Latin America. Their objective is to eventually merge into one integrated economic zone. The most prominent bloc is the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR), because it has the most resources, and hence the most potential for expansion. It is significant that MERCOSUR has issued a passport for its citizens and there is discussion about creating a constitution for the organization.; Despite the fact that every generation of Latin Americans has witnessed some effort to promote political unification, unionism has been largely ignored by historians. This dissertation will correct the deficiency.