Representation in MERCOSUR: ¿new patterns of inclusion and exclusion?

GIL, LUCIANA

Viena

Congreso; 54 International Congress of Americanists; 2012

Universidad de Viena, el Instituto Austríaco para América Latina y el Museo de Etnología de Viena

This paper addresses specific characteristics of interest representation in two Mercosur countries (Argentina and Brazil) and the effect these characteristics may have in regional integration processes as instruments for social and economic development. Specifically, it studies the mechanisms by which some interests are articulated, assuming that regional integration implies a new emerging political arena, where all dimensions of development depend on processes of inclusion/exclusion of different economic, social and political interests.These processes are not simply the result of rational choices of actors involved but of specific political dynamics developed in the domestic arena.Attention is concentrated in business interest groups and labour unions influence in decisions regarding regional integration.