Theorizing South American International Security

What accounts for the paradoxical militarization, which occurs simultaneously to processes of cooperation in Defence in the South American region? With an analysis informed by a theoretical framework which combines the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) with the English School of International Relations approach and based on systematic review methodology, this research seeks to contribute to answering this question in order to understand International Security in South America. Evidence suggests the centrality of the regional primary institutions, which both stimulate and restrain conflicts, but also effective cooperation and integration in the region, remaining a security regime.