Exploring South-South relations : the case of SADC and Mercosur

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study explores inter-regional relations between SADC and Mercosur. The centralproblem posed at the outset is Why should relations between SADC and Mercosur bepursued? In this problem there exists two separate questions, each one dealing with theregions at hand. The first question asks whether Mercosur is a viable partner in the globalpolitical economy and if so, What possible options are made available through apartnership with Mercosur in the future? The second question focuses on the SouthernAfrican region and addresses concerns surrounding SADC as Mercosur's option for apartner in Africa.These problems are analysed in the context of the global political economy from theperspective of regionalisation, considering the increased interest and attention thisphenomenon is currently receiving in international relations. This study thereforeaddresses both bilateral and multilateral implications associated with SADC-Mercosurrelations, with the importance of market liberalisation as well as the effects of regionalintegration on the process of globalisation kept in mind.A descriptive and analytical approach is employed throughout the study. Thismethodology provides a concise description of both regions. It also allows the study andresearch to take place on different levels of analysis, looking at the problem from acountry-to-country, country-to-region and region-to-region perspective. These levels areextended to include bilateral and multilateral opportunities for the parties involved.In applying this descriptive methodology various characteristics and attributes of eachregion are looked at, identifying benefits a regional bloc like Mercosur holds in terms ofmarket size and level of regional development. Various other areas are studied, whichexplores possible future opportunities for both SA DC and Mercosur through improvedsouth-south co-operation. Statistical data is used to further illustrate certain argumentsraised and findings made. The study clearly reveals a broad number of benefits available through enhanced SADCMercosurrelations. Mercosur holds an immense amount of future potential that would beof great importance in maintaining a sustainable position for developing economies in thefuture. There are however a number of difficulties too. These emanate primarily fromSADC and therefore cast a great deal of doubt on SADC's ability to enter into apartnership with Mercosur. Considering the current situation, a more viable option wouldbe SACU. But this option should be pursued with the intention of bringing the rest ofSADC on board in the not too distant future. SADC's shear size and status in SouthernAfrica is a drawing card in developing south-south co-operation. It would be ideal todevelop relations between SADC and Mercosur in a truly inter-regional fashion andpossibly even a transatlantic FTA further down the line. This is a vision that shouldalways be on the agenda when pursuing relations with Mercosur.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University