Anthem Press The Transformation of the Organization of American States: A Multilateral Framework for Regional Governance (Anthem Politics and IR)

This book explores the extent and significance of the transformation of the Organisation of American States since 1991: its roots, the reasons for and extent of its emergence, and the role that the organisation currently plays in the promotion of regional governance in the two key issue-areas of security and the defense and promotion of democratic norms and principles of good governance. By assessing where the OAS has succeeded and failed, Horwitz provides an in-depth explanation of how cooperation and consensus works in the Inter-American system. Review 'Scholars and practitioners interested in contemporary US-Latin American relations and the prospects for regional governance will find this fascinating reading.' --William C. Smith, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Miami, and editor of the journal 'Latin American Politics and Society' A must-read for all interested in the crucial role placed by the OAS in hemispheric affairs at the outset of the 21st century. --Bruce M. Bagley, Professor and Chair, Department of International Studies, University of Miami Review 'I find the book an essential work for both scholars and practitioners of policy issues in the Americas.' —Ambler H. Moss Jr, former US Ambassador to Panama, 1978-1982 'Scholars and practitioners interested in contemporary US-Latin American relations and the prospects for regional governance will find this fascinating reading.' —William C. Smith, editor of the journal 'Latin American Politics and Society' 'A must-read for all interested in the crucial role placed by the OAS in hemispheric affairs at the outset of the 21st century.' — Bruce M. Bagley, Professor and Chair, Department of International Studies, University of Miami Book Description This study provides a thorough assessment of the role and authority of the Organisation of American States as an International Organization (IO). About the Author Betty Horwitz attended Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, graduating in 1979 with a BA in Social Sciences and a major in Sociology.  She is a 2001 graduate of the Master of Arts and Liberal Studies (MALS) Program, and earned a PhD in International Studies in May 2007, both from the University of Miami. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. The Transformation of the Organization of American States A Multilateral Framework for Regional Governance By Betty Horwitz Wimbledon Publishing Company Copyright © 2011 Betty Horwitz All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-84331-876-7 Contents Prologue, vii, Glossary, ix, Chapter I The Role of the Organization of American States in the Promotion of a Multilateral Framework for Regional Governance, 1, Chapter II The Inter-American System: A History, 17, Chapter III The Emergence of Consensus around Democratic Institutions and Shared Norms During the Period of 1991 to 2005, 31, Chapter IV Collective Security in the Western Hemisphere, 73, Chapter V Good Governance in the Western Hemisphere: The Unit for Promotion of Democracy, currently the Organization for Promotion of Democracy, 113, Chapter VI Conclusions, 151, Appendix A, 181, Appendix B, 219, Notes, 221, Bibliography, 225, Index, 245, CHAPTER 1 THE ROLE OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES IN THE PROMOTION OF A MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK FOR REGIONAL GOVERNANCE Introduction More than fifty years after its creation in 1948, the Organization of American States (OAS) is undergoing significant transformations. Contrary to skeptical assessments of this organization, some analysts theorize that at the present historical juncture, the OAS may be emerging from its original role as a secondary instrument of US hegemonic power to become a relatively significant actor in promoting regional inter-state cooperation and consensus. Indeed, there is at least some evidence that indicates that the OAS is assuming new functions and acquiring new powers