The Legalization of Dispute Resolution in Mercosur

摘要: The Southern Common Market (Mercosur), the world’s fourth-largest trading bloc, represents an intriguing yet under-researched case of a regional organization which has made significant advances in integration past decades, legalization being central dimension its process. In 2002, Mercosur’s dispute settlement system was substantially revised by four member states. Up until then, disputes among states had been resolved diplomatic negotiations and ad hoc tribunals with limited independence from member-state governments. reforms mark advance this organization: standing court more inde-pendent judiciary improved access to court’s jurisdiction established. order account for shift towards Mercosur, article presents rational institutionalist explanation develops hypotheses about states’ preferred levels (why), “timing” qualitative shifts (when), institutional form that decisions take (how).