The Organization of American States - Softcover

For much of its history, the Organization of American States (OAS) played a minor - and often unpopular - role in Latin America. Recent changes in US foreign policy and Latin American politics have made possible a stronger and more effective OAS. Events in Peru, Haiti and Venezuela show that democratization in Latin America cannot be taken for granted and that the end of the Cold War does not mean an end to internal conflicts. This suggests that the OAS will be able to play a greater part in resolving conflicts, encouraging democracy and accomplishing other hemisphere-wide goals. But while the OAS may be at a turning point, there is little public understanding in the US of its capabilities or limitations. The book provides two perspectives on the future of the OAS, each reflecting the stance of one of the authors.