Three decades of economic integration in Latin America: characteristics, evolution, obstacles, and challenges from 1990 to 2022

Abstract

The objective of this article involves analyzing the trajectory of economic integration in Latin America, thus approaching the integrating efforts ongoing between 1990 and 2022 and analyzing the different initiatives taking place towards this end, studying the documents and articles published that feature the models emerging over this period. Hence, our aim extends beyond understanding the concept in order to highlight the particularities that have undergone consolidation in the Latin American case, associated with the proliferation of regional integration focused initiatives. This resulted in a type of characterization outlining the reasons –despite repeated attempts– Latin American integration does not reach beyond the trial stage, reflecting in short-term alliances and initiatives with minimal social, political, cultural or even economic impacts.