Guyana's regional integration: from the Caribbean to South America

Abstract

This article aims to analyze Guyana's regional insertion strategy considering its relations with the Caribbean and South America. To this end, the concept of integration is discussed, and a gradual typology from consultation/conciliation mechanisms, regional cooperation and integration is used to categorize Latin American initiatives. Subsequently, Guyanese particularities are highlighted considering its geographical position, as well as political, economic and cultural aspects of the country that influence its interactions with neighboring countries. Finally, Guyana's participation in different regional initiatives is compared, namely in CARICOM, ACS, ACTO, UNASUR, PROSUR and CELAC, in order to analyze the depth of relations with its partners in the Caribbean and South American regions. We concluded that Guyana adopts a pragmatic stance, seeking to distance itself from ideological alignments in its interaction with neighboring countries and prioritizing its economic development. There is a deeper integration in Caribbean institutions formed by countries with which they share a common history and culture, in addition to the levels of development and geographical position that facilitate the convergence of interests. Over the years, the country has also getting closer to its South American neighbors, in a process of continentalization, but still through institutions more focused on promoting regional cooperation or concertation. Greater integration with South America involves both strengthening the bilateral relationship with Brazil and building infrastructure that connects the country to the continent.