Cooperation for the provision of regional public goods: The iirsa case

Abstract

IIRSA is key to understanding new consensuses, agendas and cooperation processes in the provision of infrastructure that ultimately shape a region, and the redefinition of the regional space as an arena for harmonization of public policies. The chapter looks at the nature and dynamics in place challenging conventional wisdom about the state and state regulations as hindrance for regional integration. The management and coordination of energy and infrastructure, it is argued, is an example of regionalization of public enterprises and an extension of public policies as a new motor of regionalism. The development of regional infrastructure is intertwined with new geopolitical goals and international relations reasserting control over key resources of political economy.