Impact of Contemporary Conflicts Between Latin American Nations on Regional Stability and Cooperation.

摘要

Throughout its history, Latin America has been embroiled in a series of armed confrontations and conflicts between its member states. Many of the disputes which have led to confrontations during the past five decades can be traced back to historical animosities that started soon after the nations became independent. An analysis has been made of five contemporary conflicts and their historical antecedents. These current conflicts are: Venezuela vs. Columbia (sea boundary); Chile vs. Peru-Bolivia (desert boundary); Ecuador vs. Peru (Amazon basin boundary); Honduras vs. El Salvador (migratory boundary); and Honduras vs. Nicaragua (ideological and territorial boundary). After a review of the histories and dimensions of these conflicts, it was concluded that all of these conflicts had a strong economic component and that each of these conflicts had impacted on economic development within the region. The failure to resolve these disputes has prevented improved regional relations and cooperation in the economic, political and military spheres and poses a threat to peace in the region. All of the conflicts analyzed are capable of resolution and negotiations are underway to produce equitable solutions. It is recommended that the United States support such negotiations but not seek a role as mediator in these disputes, allowing the United Nations or the Organization of American States to assume that role instead. (eg)