SouthAmerican Union (will it become a reality?)

[DanRod78]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20041209/i/r2442627882.jpg

Like I said before, I'm extremely proud to see that the president of Venezuela is one of the main promoters of Simon Bolivar's dream of creating a South American union.

I really hope that this become a reality, because I really think that SouthAmerica doesn't need the rest of the World AT ALL.

[efernandez9]

claro que necesitamos al resto del Mundo, estas loco chamo!

a quien le vendemos cafe y flores!
Uds a quien le venden petroleo y Miss Universos?

nos necesitamos el uno al otro para fortalecer el plan negociador con otros super powers.... aranceles en importaciones, cobrarles lo mismo en venezuela/colo/peru/ecuador por dejar barcos cargar o descargar en nuestros puertos, por el espacio aereo, no dejar que nuestras companias aereas y de transporte se hundan de la mano del sindicalismo, no dejar nuestras vias terrestres perder validez, lograr planes de turismo iguales para el resto del mundo (el que visite a venezuela que tenga extencion de viaje a la frontera o el que valla a peru que tenga opcion de bolivia o ecuador colonial, etc...)


muchas cosas, ya comnenzo chavez... y metio un golazzzo con la eliminacion de visado para cualquier ciudadano de pais BOLIVARIANO que ingrese a venezuela, solo visas de trabajo seran mas estrictas! bien por esa....de pronto hasta pueda conocer Isla margarita con eferna!

[chaski]

I really think that SouthAmerica doesn't need the rest of the World AT ALL.Where are you posting from? :p

[Caturro]

It's what everybody wants, but I will give you 3 reasons as to why it can't happen yet:

1. Rivarly for Leadership: Two countries, Argentina and Brazil, want the title of South American leader. Brazil seems to have international approval, even considered to be the country that will get the UN Security Council seat when the expansion occurs, but Argentina might also be a serious candidate. These two countries are known to have an economic rivalry and they seek to influence the rest of the region. It is one of the reasons as to why Kirchner didn't show up to this forum in Cuzco.

2. Border Disputes and Focus of Tensions: There's already been problems between Colombia and Venezuela regarding the guerrillas going back and forth between the two countries. Bolivia and Peru still have border disputes with Chile and will try to oppose anything Chile does unless the problem is solved. Frictions between Uruguay and Argentina at a presidential level have been made public (although the presidential change in Uruguay might alter that). Bolivia is still socially unstable, and this is a main problem because it could become the key to regional integration (important highways, energetic links, etc. could go through Bolivia). Even though a South American Union could help solve these problems, it's also possible that all of these problems might hinder the creation of a Union. Nevertheless, it is a topic to consider.

3. Different Interests: Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil have Mercosur. The Andean countries, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador have their own economic group. Chile chooses to deal with NAFTA and EU by itself. Suriname and the Guyanas look to the Caribbean for association. So, my question is, are we really ready to become one big country? It's possible that most countries find that a big Union will helps us all be economically stronger when dealing with most prosperous economies, but will it help each country individually, or will some countries see themselves more benefitted than others? Some countries, like Chile, dislike the idea of a common coin, and the truth is, some countries won't see themselves being favored right away.

These are just things to consider and that might take time to solve. In a way, I am hopeful that we will see a Union maybe in 50 more years, when each and every country is economically (and more importantly) socially ready to make such a big commitment.

[DanRod78]

It's what everybody wants, but I will give you 3 reasons as to why it can't happen yet:
Pretty much the way that I see what you say is that the US and Europe can use those weakenesses in South America to break us apart.

It's true that Venezuela and Colombia have problems but even though Venezuela suffers the consequences of been right next to Colombia, Colombia is always considered our one and only sister nation and we'll go back to being one country someday, the way we are meant to be.

I really believe that South America is THE ONLY region in the World where people feel that they are meant to form one country.
This was our independence heroes dreams and people have dreamed of that for centuries.
The fact that many Latin American countries have been screwed over by the US and European countries pushes us even more to come together to help each (Best example: Argentina and their pro-american economic model that didn't work)

[Pibe#10]

well remember that it used to be Colombia-Venezuela-Ecuador-Perú in one big country, and that didn't work out.

[DanRod78]

If the United States kept "the union" together, why can't we do it.

Even today, people in Southern US are more proud of being "Southerners" than Americans.

[Pibe#10]

Would the flag still be the original? The "Tricolor" like Colombia's ...........

[NitrousOxide]

I believe it is possible and only a matter of time. But unlike a single country type right away, i favor something in the likes of the EU. With a south american parliament ruling issues like defence and foreign policy and a central bank setting common economic goals for all members while controling a single currency. Leaving a certain level of autonomy for the member states. The first step should be to unite the free trade regions of Mercosur and the Andes into one south american trade pact. I believe both parties are already working on this.

And i say member states because Guiana and Suriname have long chosen to isolate themselves from South America and integrate with the Caribean, so i don't believe they would want to join the boat.

[Pibe#10]

heres the original "Gran Colombia" flag

http://www.banrep.gov.co/blaavirtual/credencial/julio2001/imagen/bandera%202.jpg

[Ilovecolombia redded]

un monton de m13Rd4

[ElGaucho]

I don't think it can happen..

there's not a country in the world that can contain the size of Argentina's ego! :D :D

[efernandez9]

some one has to help the poor in Peru and la region de salta!

lets start with the union de paises bolivarianos..... ups...did not we had the paises andinos integration pacts during the 60' and 70'? hard to see this working out.

what about one single currency? EL PESO BOLIVARIANO (I take that< for now)

[chaski]

If this happens, how long until Mexico wants to join? ;)

[NitrousOxide]

There is also an issue nobody mentioned, we could not become a true south american union with france peeking from the back door. I vote we ship some guerrilleros from Colombia to Cayenne to start an Independence movement.

[Visca...]

This was a thing of the past. Bolivar's dream was great at the time. Now it would be too complicated. Constitution, Bill of rights, Congress, etc. It would have been nice if it had actually happened. Now, It would be something crazy to do.

[DanRod78]

If this happens, how long until Mexico wants to join? ;)
Not too long, they are part of the "grupo de los tres" (Venezuela, Colombia & Mexico)

[Visca...]

Not too long, they are part of the "grupo de los tres" (Venezuela, Colombia & Mexico)

I think you forgot to explain why they are called the grupo de los tres. De los tres.....what?

Could it be:
los tres mosqueteros?
los tres chanchitos?
los tres chiflados?
los tres reyes magos?
:D

[Ilovecolombia redded]

no way is colombia going unite under that chavista communista guerrilero che guivarista chavez uribe would rather hand his nation over to the guerrila army

[LMvCP]

I think you forgot to explain why they are called the grupo de los tres. De los tres.....what?

Could it be:
los tres mosqueteros?
los tres chanchitos?
los tres chiflados?
los tres reyes magos?
:D
it was a geo-economical pact that was signed by the 3 countries to work hand in hand. It was brought up in the 70s but really took action in the early 80s.

IMO it has not been a success. The goal was to promote free trade and develop central america to cheapn logistic cost of transportation. Due to the wars in central america and economical oil crisis of the mid 80s, it never really got up on its feet.

I personally think the South American Union is a pipe dream that will not work because of the way leadership and power is distributed in Latin American countries.

I dont see Mexico ever trying to join the SAU because they would rather join economical alliances with the US and EU. Culturally, we may be more related, but culture just doesnt put food on the table (unless you try selling Mexican food :D). Economically we are striving to become 1st world country. Most of out major industries are now privatized (some pros and cons, but it had to happen) and the trade agreements with US, Canada, Japan, China, and EU are a way to do it.

Personally, I dont care fore the Chavista regime nor any regime that opposes capitalism.

I know there is some sentiment from South Americans towards Mexico saying that we are trying to become too American, but that is false. If anything, we hold on to our culture and even get accused of being TOO nationalistic.