Union of South American Nations or

UNASUR

By: Jessica, Brandyn, Shannon, and Tristan

Background May 2008 Cusco Declaration:– 12 South American

presidents or representatives

– Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Perú, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela

BackgroundModel after

European Union:–share common

currency, parliament and passport–2019

BackgroundPolitical and

Economic integration

Tensions amongst members

Revolving presidency and bi-annual meetings of foreign ministers

UNASUR & BoliviaTraditional elites

lost power in 2005 democratic election

President Evo Morales elected

August 19, 2008– Protests erupt

  

UNASUR & BoliviaSeptember 10, 2008– Anti-democracy protests cause explosions of

natural gas pipelineSeptember 12, 2008– Pando State of Emergency

UNASUR & BoliviaDeclared allegiance to Morales' government"For the first time in South America's

history, the countries of our region are deciding how to resolve our problems, without the presence of the United States."– President Morales

UNASUR and Chavez's Anti-American views

Is Chavez concentrating his Anti-United States rhetoric inside

UNASUR

Hugo Chavez and UNASUR

Chavez has stated South American unity through UNASUR is the only way for Latin American independence

Desire to keep U.S influence out in South America

Believes UNASUR solves problems in a democratic and peaceful way, unlike the militarized U.S

Chavez and The South American Defense Council

Chavez aims to show the council creates real non-violent peace unlike NATO

UNASUR protection from barbarism of NATOStrongly condemned U.S intervention in LibyaCalled upon all member states to consolidate

their democratic peace to prevent situations like Libya

U.S bombing of Libya comparable to genocide

Chavez, UNASUR, and Julian Assange

On August 20th, 2012, UNASUR officially confirmed their support for Ecuador in their dispute with Britain– Supported Ecuador's right to

harbor Assange in their embassy

– Opposed the extradition of Assange and threats from Britain to release him

Venezuela accuses Britain of threatening one of their "Brothers"– shows UNASUR members will

be free and stand by each other

Chavez, UNASUR, and Human Rights

May 4, 2012, Chavez believes UNASUR members should pull out of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights – Claims U.S has too much influence in it, and uses it

as a tool to undermine his socialist regime – Commission has been very critical of human rights

in Venezuela recently Proposes that UNASUR member states create a

new regional commissioner on human rights– Excludes the U.S– Prevents the U.S from interfering in domestic affairs

Modern Day UNASUR's Roles

Drug Control Efforts- The Lima Commitment:       Security and Confidence-Building -Integral Strategy to Fight Illicit Trafficking:       Weapon control and blocking illegal trade routes- The Andean Peace Zone:     Development of the South American Peace Zone,        Strengthening of international peace,        Establishment of a more just and equitable international order

Disaster Prevention Program:Environmental Problems in Latin America

The factors of contribution:- Sub-region’s vulnerability on fragile soil,

- Poor quality of dwellings and infrastructure,           - Lack of effective risk reduction strategies

Rapid demographic growth and the increase in population density in the Andean sub region:    - Resulting from urbanization,    - Migratory patterns, Stimulation of acid rain and groundwater  contamination

BORDER DEVELOPMENT Establishment of clear border integration Zone (BIZ):- Natural and geographic areas that link up the economies and societies of the UNASUR members.

Strengthening and consolidation of the subregional and regional integration process:- Improvement of the standard of living of the locals-  Further the development of their institutions in the border areas

Formalization of the social, economic, cultural, and ethnic processes and relations existing in those zones- More supply of basics and or/social services for common use, - Electrification, road infrastructure, health, education, and sports and tourist recreation services

Discussion QuestionsDo you think UNASUR will be able to maintain

its distance the policies and directions of the US?

How great of a role do you think Hugo Chavez plays in UNASUR

Is UNASUR the key to strengthening relationships amongst Latin American countries?

Works Cited• http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/6585

http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/62957/cfk-meets-with-ch%C3%A1vez-underlines-role-of-unasur

http://interamericansecuritywatch.com/venezuela-says-latin-america-should-create-human-rights-commission-exclude-united-states/

http://en.mercopress.com/2011/03/30/chavez-praises-argentina-s-role-in-unasur-signs-ambitious-trade-accord

http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/7188• http://www.comunidadandina.org/ingles/sudamerican.htm• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7417896.stm• http://www.chomsky.info/articles/200910--.htm