Bilateralism and Multilateralism in regional security

• In Event: International Security: Old or New Affairs? I

Abstract

In the past few decades, both the structure and nature of international security and international security governance have been transformed globally and in Latin America. While threats and risks have expanded, rendering familiar international strategies partially obsolete, various new (or renewed) multilateral security governance architectures have become more complex, multidimensional, and interrelated at multiple levels. Some of these multilateral security governance architectures are of global reach, whereas others are regionally based; some have a broader reach, whilst others work on narrowly defined agendas, etc. In addition, in Latin America, there is a wide network of bilateral arrangements, including bilateral agreements, exchanges, cooperation, collaboration, and so on. This complex combination of global multilateral, regional multilateral, mini-lateral, and bilateral governance structures are increasingly interconnected in various ways, forming a picture of a multifaceted, multipart, multi-actor, multi-space network dealing with global and regional security.
This paper sets out to investigate and map changes and continuities in this ‘networked Latin America’ of security governance. In particular, loosely adopting and adapting a network analysis approach, the paper focuses on the concept and role of power within network structures, and critically assesses the move from structural hierarchies to structural hubs. Ultimately, the paper seeks to assess whether the institutional changes and innovations in the region’s institutional structure have resulted/are resulting in better and more efficient management of regional security.

Author

• Andrea Oelsner, University of Aberdeen