| Summary: | In the early 21st Century, Brazil established itself as a crucial protagonist and principal coordinator of the South American integrationist project. In addition to the existing Mercosur, Unasur was created, encompassing the entire subcontinent, and thereby reaffirming the formulation of regional policies based on the concept of “South America”. Now however, the withdrawal of Brazilian leadership in South America combined with shifts and lack of direction within Unasur and Mercosur have damaged the credibility of the initiatives in the region, as well as the possibility of identifying a concerted voice in South America. Nevertheless, it is too soon to speak of a complete decoupling of Brazilian from the sub-region, that is, an effective abandonment of regionalism. Recognizing the distinctive histories of Latin American and Caribbean countries gives rise to a complex and disorganized structure in which the political and institutional course of Brazil will have significant repercussions for the future of the region.
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