Prospects for deepening Mercosur integration: Economic asymmetry and institutional deficits

摘要: ABSTRACT Mercosur faces a number of challenges in furthering its regional integration. This article considers whether theories developed for European regionalism, such as neo-functionalism and liberal inter-governmentalism, provide suitable framework analysing the case. The argues that economic policy asymmetries well institutional, social deficits hamper deepening regionalism. These also jeopardise further benefits could arise from building on Mercosur's considerable achievements. Finally, analysis warns against dangers politicisation importance societal inclusion. It suggests top-down state-led regionalism benefit being turned upside-down by bottom-up interest deeper integration current shifting international context.