Beyond the dominant voices: Unveiling Latin American perspectives on the international order

Abstract

The concept of international order has undergone significant evolution, but the dominant voices of great powers have often overshadowed regional perspectives, particularly in Latin America. Still, this region has played a crucial role in shaping the contemporary discourse on the international order. Today, the term is used in various contexts within Latin America, reflecting the increasing presence of nonstate actors and the interdependent nature of societies and the planet overall. This article focuses on Latin American diplomacy and civil society's understandings of international order, contending that the region has developed analytical and practical approaches that converge into a normative vision centered on international justice. Both the analytical and practical approaches view the international order as a normative concept. Civil society especially perceives the international order as a practice concept, utilizing its voice and actions as instruments for change. Yet, civil society is not monolithic, and various groups seek different outcomes. This article reviews critically analytical and normative perspectives of the international order, providing a comprehensive understanding of Latin American viewpoints through various data collection methods.