The strategies of Latin American countries to position themselves internationally have traditionally shifted between deep interconnectedness with the world economy and a desire for more autonomy from extracontinental powers and dynamics. In the 21st century, two possible syntheses have been proposed: South–-South Cooperation and Active Non-Alignment. What remains perhaps underestimated—in these proposals and beyond—is the role of the context constraining agency. Insertion strategies are carried out within a given context. Interactions with other actors and the dominant paradigms and priorities of the moment are decisive factors for the success of any international policy. This chapter discusses five structural factors that affect Latin America’s capacity to carry out effective international insertion strategies.
