A cooperação em defesa na América do Sul como base para a integração do continente

Abstract

This paper is situated on a Geography area titled Geopolitics. Having South America as its spatial profile, the discussion here is about the dynamics of conflict and integration in this territory that is the subject of several studies in various fields of science. This research, however, sought to focus on the threshold of this dynamic, which we consider to be the defense cooperation. Because it is a matter of military order, the defense engages directly with the conflicts of the South American subcontinent, responsible for various actions perpetrated conflict between the countries of this region in the past two centuries. Already cooperation effectively deals with the integration, which is presented to South America as one of its most important challenges, with numerous attempts in the history of their countries. Within the framework of this complex region, issues of regional defense had little insertion in integration projects intended, being overwhelmed by economic issues that have not reached the ultimate goal of regional integration, while the rivalry was responsible for the involvement of these countries in strife recurring. We understand here that the defense would be a key component to link South America, providing the security necessary for the development of continental integration. Thus the study of defense cooperation in South America aims to elucidate the importance of this integration mechanism just discussed, bringing in a historical research about the relevance of military issues in development cooperation in South America, linking projects integration of regional conflict and foreign influence, also presenting an overview of the distribution of military bases in the region and its importance to the recent integrationist projects.