ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the monitoring mechanisms within the context of the Southern Common Market. It focuses on the responsibilities of institutions at different decision-making levels and progress made in complying with the various agreements formed in the context of the integration process. Mercosur launched in 1991 is widely seen as having arisen from political rationales, the desire of the new civilian governments in Argentina and Brazil to foster regional trade and cooperation and thereby pre-empt regional conflict and threats to democracy. The reaffirmation of the original inter-governmental arrangement reflected the deep historical and structural factors between the Mercosur countries. The Ouro Preto Protocol established the basic Mercosur institutional structure, including three decision-making bodies: The Common Market Council (CMC), the Common Market Group (CMG), and the Trade Commission. The Inter-American Development Bank The Bank has an Integration and Regional Programs Department with an Integration, Trade and Hemispheric Issues Division.
