Potential for conflict in South America/

Abstract

Between 1978 and 1983, a number of violent interstate confrontations in south America, including the Falklands/Malvinas War, indicated that the continent was experiencing a period of tension and instability, with a strong possibility of additional interstate war. Several South American nations were engaged in armamentism, were internally unstable, and displayed considerable animosity towards each other. Meanwhile, U.S. ability to play a constructive security role appeared greatly diminished. This thesis examines conflict in South America from a historical and contemporary viewpoint, analyzing the factors which have led to wars in the past and may (or may not ) do so in the future. Geopolitics, militarism, arms races and boundary disputes are discussed, as is the U.S. role in the region in the past and present; a perspective on a broadened U.S. military and policy option is included. The conclusion of the work is that interstate war is not likely in the foreseeable future, especially while democratic regimes remain in power. Theses. (FR)