Mercosur, the Role of Ideas and a More Comprehensive Regionalism

Abstract

Mercosur’s political agenda experienced a “redefinition” after the 1999-2002 regional crisis. The emergence of issues related to pre-existing asymmetries and the creation of a regional Parliament, amongst other things, show the importance of the new sociopolitical agenda since 2003. Thus, a broader and more comprehensive scope which includes an ideational approach is required. Nevertheless, according to presidential discourses, more steps forward should be expected in South American regional integration.