The Role of MERCOSUR as a Vehicle for Latin American Integration

This Development examines the scope of MERCOSUR\u27s expansion and analyzes the extent to which Decision 18/04 of the CMC represents meaningful change in MERCOSUR\u27s procedures for incorporating new members. Section 1I will address the history of MERCOSUR\u27s growth leading up to the CMC\u27s summits in July and December 2004, at Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, and at Ouro Preto, Brazil. Section III will evaluate the substance of Decision 18/04 and what effect it is likely to have for current associate states and for other nations seeking membership. Section IV will briefly discuss the Decision 18/04 in terms of the direction of the integration process in Latin America