Since the beginning of the 1990s, almost all Latin American countries have begun to change their strategies from protectionism to free trade. Historically, plans for regional economic integration have a long tradition on this continent. This report surveys past developments and attempts to show...

The grouping together of neighbouring countries to form free trade areas or economic and monetary unions currently constitutes a phenomenon occurring in all regions around the world. How far has the bloc-building process progressed? How will the development of world trade be affected by this...