Rationalizing Constant Disfunctions:

Latin America and the Resilience of itsAgenda of Integration

Abstract

This article proposes a rational explication to the multiple malfunctions of Latin American international relations dynamics related to political and economic integration. The malfunctions referred to are the combination of an intense diplomatic agenda and the multiplication of weak regional organizations usually incapable of reaching their goals over time. To explain the leaders’ decisions to join organizations of these characteristics, to remain part of them and to refuse the exit option in case of insatisfaction, the article proposes a perspective combining political, social and historical factors. This wider perspective allows to claim that it has always been rational for leaders to maintain their participative behavior. The costs of joining a Latin American organization are traditionally low, the benefits of belonging to one are easily higher than the costs of being excluded, and the estimated costs of exit are simply too high for opting out… until now.