Abstract
In the context of the 30 years of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), this article seeks to discuss how the bloc has contributed to democratic stability and the promotion of peace in the region since its creation. Although the commercial agenda has relevance in shaping this project and has become its most visible dimension, the creation of Mercosur was fundamental to distend the area of security and defense among the countries of the bloc, seeking to bury mutual mistrust of decades. Moreover, Mercosur helped to promote the consolidation of democracy in the moment of the returning to democratic governments in the region. Regional institutions developed within Mercosur have conferred and still give relevance to peace and democratic protection agendas in the region. Nonetheless, its loose institutions and high dependence on political dynamics of ruling national governments emphasize its current difficulties in advancing in both regional agendas.
Keywords:
Mercosur; Democracy; Regional Security; Regional Integration; Democratic institutions; South America