heT Union of Southern Nations (UNASUR) between dismantling and reactivation

Abstract

This essay critically addresses the South American regional integration process known as the Union of Southern Nations (UNASUR), from the history of Latin American international relations, having as a horizon of utopian sense the idea of "Patria Grande" enlightened in the 19th century by Simón Bolivar and Jose Marti. The objectives and background of the creation of UNASUR are examined, as well as its relationship with the departure of some of its members and the formation of the Forum for the Progress and Integration of South America (PROSUR), with a neoliberal and free vision. Currently, attempts are being made to reactivate it based on the letter from former South American presidents and personalities addressed to the presidents and subsequent meetings with the purpose of making certain of  its mechanisms more flexible. The study focuses on the discipline of international relations and uses a qualitative methodology. It is considered that the main challenge for UNASUR is to seek a regional consensus that allows member states to resolve their differences and propose joint policies. The ultimate goal should be to avoid tensions and promote the defense of regional sovereignty and autonomy. The reactivation of UNASUR is imposed as an urgent need in a changing international context and in the search for common strengths beyond the economic-commercial. However, at present 
the question arises as to whether the necessary elements exist for a unifying initiative in South America. It is suggested that economic imperatives could lead to an imaginative South American alliance and questions whether the revival of UNASUR is inevitable or just superficial integration. We think that the biggest challenge for regional integration may be to achieve a balance, 
where there are no winners or losers. In turn, the question arises as to whether UNASUR is destined to be reactivated or remain in a new impulse of a low-intensity epistolary integration. Is it a question of historical time or of an episodic conjuncture?