Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 54 n. 4 Rio de Janeiro 2011
Abstract
The present article analyzes the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the integration of the South American region, based on a study of regional security issues and cooperation between states. The study thus seeks to examine the scope of ICTs in building mutual trust between states and harmonization between maintenance of the domestic order and regional stability in a scenario marked by suspicion and political and institutional limitations. The argument is that the use of information technologies can contribute to the deepening of political processes, although in practice there is a lack of a coordinated strategy for South American countries to apply such technologies. The development of ICTs by UNASUL and the South American Defense Council thus emerges as an attempt to promote adequate alignment among initiatives for integration of South American countries and greater exchange of information to promote security and stability in the region.
Keywords: regional integration, UNASUL, security, information technology
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52582011000400005
Information technologies and regional integration: institutional challenges for South American cooperation in the security area
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