ABSTRACT
After having discussed domestic conditions in the three countries studied in this book before and during the period in question, this chapter explores broader hemispheric and regional issues. The main purpose is to give a background that will help to understand why, despite numerous attempts, most regional projects to coordinate policy in political, defense and trade matters failed or had only very limited success. It will be suggested that beyond specific explanations provided for each individual attempt, there are two fundamental and more general reasons underpinning these outcomes.
