Latin America regional cooperation

Latin America's Sovereignty Struggle: Regionalism, Optimism, and the Path Forward

Mira Elwood in Global Affairs August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Navigating the evolving landscape of regional cooperation and national sovereignty in Latin America."

For Latin American countries, safeguarding sovereignty has a deep historical significance. The desire to control their own territories drove independence movements. Protecting nations from external interference, initially from European powers and later the United States, became a cornerstone of inter-American law.

Principles of self-determination, territorial integrity, and non-intervention were established to achieve this protection. These principles are reflected in legal instruments such as the Calvo, Drago, and Estrada doctrines, and are enshrined in the charters of the OAS (Organization of American States) and the UN.

While this history suggests a static concept of sovereignty, it's essential to recognize how it has been influenced by internal pressures and the diverse interpretations and practices within Latin America. Discussions on human rights, democracy, and globalization have all played a role in shaping the understanding of sovereignty in the region.

Optimists vs. Skeptics: Two Visions of Latin American Sovereignty

A key debate is unfolding in Latin American studies: how is regionalism impacting national sovereignty? Two main viewpoints have emerged, with "optimists" arguing that regional cooperation is transforming sovereignty, and "skeptics" maintaining that traditional notions of sovereignty persist.

Optimists believe that new regional organizations are creating a new form of sovereignty. They argue that this emerging sovereignty extends beyond the nation-state, incorporating regional political structures and involving international bodies, civil society, and citizens.

Optimists: See regional bodies as transformative, leading to a shared sovereignty and new political dynamics.
Skeptics: Believe regional efforts primarily reinforce presidential power and traditional sovereignty practices.

Skeptics, on the other hand, contend that while regionalism has changed, it largely reinforces national sovereignty. They argue that these efforts primarily amplify presidential authority, projecting it regionally through what's termed "interpresidentialism."

The Future of Sovereignty: Research and Regional Governance

To fully understand the evolving dynamics of sovereignty within Latin America, more empirical research is needed. Specifically, research should explore how regional, institutional, and sovereignty patterns uniquely shape the region, while also considering the limitations and possibilities for regional governance.

This requires moving beyond theoretical comparisons to the European Union, or universalist models. Instead, a focus on how authority is constructed and exercised in Latin America is crucial, and also requires examining how the region's leaders might promote institutional and authority trends in their regional spaces.

By investigating these issues, it becomes possible to better understand the potential of regional governance and to navigate the intricate connection between regionalism and sovereignty trends within Latin America.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0102-85292013000200001, Alternate LINK

Title: Post-Hegemonic Regionalism And Sovereignty In Latin America: Optimists, Skeptics, And An Emerging Research Agenda

Subject: Microbiology

Journal: Contexto Internacional

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Thomas Legler

Published: 2013-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What historical factors have influenced the concept of sovereignty in Latin America?

In Latin America, the concept of sovereignty is deeply rooted in the region's history of independence movements and the desire to protect nations from external interference. Principles like self-determination, territorial integrity, and non-intervention, manifested in doctrines such as the Calvo, Drago, and Estrada doctrines and enshrined in the OAS and UN charters, were established to safeguard sovereignty. However, internal pressures and evolving interpretations of human rights, democracy, and globalization have shaped and reshaped its understanding.

What are the key arguments of the 'optimists' and 'skeptics' regarding regionalism's impact on Latin American sovereignty?

The 'optimists' argue that regional cooperation in Latin America is leading to a transformation of sovereignty, creating new regional political structures and involving international bodies, civil society, and citizens. This perspective envisions a shared sovereignty beyond the nation-state. Conversely, the 'skeptics' believe that regionalism primarily reinforces national sovereignty, amplifying presidential authority through interpresidentialism.

What is 'interpresidentialism,' and how does it relate to the debate on sovereignty and regionalism in Latin America?

Interpresidentialism, as viewed by the 'skeptics', suggests that regional efforts in Latin America mainly serve to project presidential power on a regional scale, reinforcing traditional notions of national sovereignty. This implies that while regionalism might introduce changes, the core power dynamics remain centered around individual national leaders and their ability to exert influence beyond their borders through regional initiatives.

Can you explain the significance of the Calvo, Drago, and Estrada doctrines in the context of Latin American sovereignty?

The Calvo, Drago, and Estrada doctrines are legal principles developed in Latin America to protect national sovereignty and prevent external interference. The Calvo Doctrine asserts that disputes arising from foreign investment should be resolved in local courts, limiting diplomatic intervention. The Drago Doctrine opposes the use of force by foreign powers to collect public debts. The Estrada Doctrine advocates for non-recognition of governments established through coups or revolutions. These doctrines collectively aim to shield Latin American nations from external pressures and uphold their self-determination.

What specific areas require further research to better understand the evolving dynamics of sovereignty and regional governance in Latin America?

Further research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of sovereignty in Latin America, including how regional, institutional, and sovereignty patterns uniquely shape the region. Additionally, research should focus on the limitations and possibilities for regional governance. Areas needing further investigation include the impact of specific regional organizations, the role of civil society in regional governance, and the effects of global economic and political trends on national sovereignty within the Latin American context.