Is a New Country in the Southern Cone of South America Feasible?
The Southern Cone, a region in South America consisting of countries like Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, is often discussed in relation to potential political and economic unions. However, the feasibility of forming a new, unified country in this region poses several significant challenges. This article explores these challenges, from geopolitical and demographic perspectives, within the context of existing regional entities like Mercosur.
Geopolitical and Demographic Considerations
The formation of a new country in the Southern Cone would need to overcome numerous obstacles, particularly given the existing political landscape. Currently, Argentina and Chile are the only countries in the region, and the remaining territories include Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The integration of these additional nations into a single entity presents complex issues related to national identity, governance, and territorial control.
National Identity and Inclusivity
The concept of a unified Southern Cone country faces strong resistance from the populace. Brazil, the largest and most populous country in the region, has a complex and diverse national identity, which could fragment further with the addition of 50% more territory and 30% more population. This complexity is compounded by the existing notion of hooliganism or nationalism within Brazil, a sentiment that would likely impede efforts towards a shared identity.
Geographical Barriers and Integration Challenges
Geography plays a crucial role in the feasibility of forming a new country in the Southern Cone. Chile, for instance, is geographically isolated by vast mountain ranges, including the Andes, which have impassable heights reaching up to 6,000 meters. Integrating such a varied and mountainous region into a single country would be extremely challenging. Conversely, Uruguay, despite its smaller size, offers no significant geographic barriers and could potentially contribute positively to a cohesive region.
Potential Inclusion of Paraguay
The inclusion of Paraguay, a member of Mercosur, further complicates the formation of a new country. Paraguay is the fourth-largest country in the region, and its integration would require not only agreement from the existing nations but also regional cooperation. Mixed feelings about Mercosur and the organization's limited progression towards a more integrated federation present additional hurdles.
Historical and Current Context
The Mercosur, a regional economic bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela (though Venezuela has recently suspended its membership), has been in existence since the 1990s. Despite its potential, Mercosur has not evolved into a cohesive political or economic union. The organization's limited integration indicates that the creation of a single new country is not a realistic scenario given the current state of regional cooperation.
Challenges in Realizing Regional Unity
Multiple challenges lie in the path of forming a new political entity in the Southern Cone. These challenges include:
Political Resistance: Nationalistic sentiments and resistance to change within countries like Brazil. Geographical Barriers: Significant physical boundaries and mountain ranges like the Andes. Economic Diversification: Different economic frameworks and industries among the countries involved. Regional Disparities: Economic, social, and political disparities among the countries. Security Concerns: Potential security risks and border issues with the proposed new country.Conclusion
Given the current geopolitical, demographic, and economic landscape of the Southern Cone, the formation of a new unified country seems highly improbable. The challenges of integrating diverse national identities, overcoming geographical obstacles, and achieving regional cooperation are significant and cannot be underestimated. While the idea of a unified Southern Cone resonates with some, the practical obstacles make it an unrealistic scenario in the foreseeable future.