ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that structures in the international system have been an important factor shaping the limitations and opportunities for development in South America. It explores the case of South–South cooperation (SSC) considering two dimensions related to governance. On the one hand, SSC has been a rich policy area to contest the changing global governance of development cooperation and particularly foreign aid. On the other hand, South American countries were neither willing nor able to create an alternative governance system to SSC. The chapter examines the question of global and regional governance as a process of political dispute. It analyses the definition of South–South cooperation and the different concepts included in it. The chapter outlines briefly the driving forces for South–South cooperation globally and regionally. It also argues that the concept and practice of SSC cooperation has a political meaning for South American countries. The chapter also analyses the changing governance of development cooperation in the region.
