Organization of American States (OAS): Peace and Democracy
- Headquarters: 200 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
- Founded in: 30 April 1948 in Bogota, Colombia
- Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, English
- Member States: 33 states
- Subsidiary Organisation: Art Museum of the Americas / Pan American Health Organisation
- Websites: www.oas.org
Overview
The Organisation of American States (OAS) stands as a significant regional organization in the Americas, embodying a diverse array of member states with the shared objective of promoting peace, security, democracy, and economic development across the Western Hemisphere. Established on April 30, 1948, in Bogotá, Colombia, the OAS has since evolved into a crucial forum for diplomatic dialogue, cooperation, and collective action among its member states. This article by Academic Block aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the OAS, examining its history, structure, functions, challenges, and impact on regional dynamics.
What is the Organization of American States (OAS)?
The Organization of American States (OAS) is an intergovernmental organization that brings together the nations of the Americas to work on regional stability, human rights, democracy, economic growth, and security. It was officially established on April 30, 1948, with the signing of the OAS Charter in Bogotá, Colombia.
History and Formation of the OAS
The idea of regional cooperation in the Americas began in the 19th century. The first major attempt was the Pan-American Conference held in 1889–1890 in Washington, D.C.
However, the formal establishment of the OAS took place in 1948, after World War II, when countries in the Americas wanted a stronger political and economic alliance.
Key Historical Milestones of Organization of American States (OAS)
The OAS operates through several key bodies that manage its functions, policies, and programs.
Main Organs of the OAS
OAS Membership and Associate Members
The OAS has 35 full member states, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. However, Venezuela withdrew from the OAS in 2019. Additionally, over 70 countries worldwide have observer status, including the European Union, China, and India.
Functions of OAS
The OAS operates under a broad mandate aimed at promoting and consolidating democracy, defending human rights, fostering hemispheric security, and promoting integral development throughout the Americas. Key functions of the organization include:
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Promotion of Democracy: The OAS actively promotes democratic governance and electoral integrity across the region through election observation missions, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives. By upholding democratic principles and institutions, the OAS seeks to strengthen political stability and foster inclusive and participatory societies.
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Protection of Human Rights: Central to its mission is the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights violations, investigating complaints, and advocating for the advancement of human rights norms and standards.
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Hemispheric Security: The OAS works to enhance collective security and address shared security challenges, including transnational crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and arms proliferation. Through mechanisms such as the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), the OAS facilitates cooperation and coordination among member states to combat these threats effectively.
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Integral Development: Promoting sustainable development and socioeconomic progress is another core focus of the OAS. The organization supports initiatives to reduce poverty, promote gender equality, strengthen education and healthcare systems, and foster economic integration and trade cooperation among member states.
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Conflict Resolution and Mediation: The OAS serves as a platform for diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution, facilitating peaceful negotiations and mediation efforts to address regional disputes and promote reconciliation among member states.
Objectives and Functions of the OAS
The OAS Charter outlines the organization's core objectives:
Main Goals of Organization of American States
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Promoting Democracy : Monitoring elections, preventing coups, and supporting democratic institutions.
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Protecting Human Rights : Investigating human rights abuses through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
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Ensuring Security : Combating organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
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Fostering Economic Growth : Encouraging free trade and sustainable development.
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Strengthening Regional Cooperation : Facilitating dialogue and dispute resolution.
Role of the Organization of American States (OAS)
The Organization of American States (OAS) plays a key role in promoting democracy, security, human rights, and economic development across the Americas. Below is a table outlining its main roles:
Organization of American States Purpose
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Promoting Democracy : Supports fair elections, democratic governance, and political stability across member states.
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Protecting Human Rights : Oversees human rights through the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
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Ensuring Regional Security : Works to prevent conflicts, combat organized crime, and enhance security cooperation among nations.
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Fostering Economic Development : Encourages trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth across the Americas.
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Strengthening Legal & Judicial Cooperation : Supports legal frameworks for anti-corruption, human trafficking, and transnational crime prevention.
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Conflict Resolution & Peacekeeping : Mediates disputes between member states and promotes diplomatic solutions.
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Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Aid : Coordinates responses to natural disasters and humanitarian crises in the region.
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Fostering Education & Social Development : Promotes literacy, technological advancement, and equal access to education.
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Environmental Protection : Advocates for climate change policies, conservation, and disaster resilience strategies.
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Enhancing Regional Cooperation : Strengthens ties among North, Central, and South American nations for mutual progress.
Challenges and Criticisms Faced by OAS
Despite its significant contributions to regional cooperation and integration, the OAS faces several challenges and criticisms that warrant attention. These include:
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Efficacy and Relevance: Some critics argue that the OAS has struggled to adapt to evolving regional dynamics and address pressing challenges effectively. The organization's decision-making processes, bureaucratic structure, and resource constraints have occasionally hindered its ability to respond promptly and decisively to emerging crises.
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Political Polarization: The OAS operates in a region characterized by political diversity and ideological differences, which can complicate consensus-building and cooperation on certain issues. Political polarization among member states has, at times, undermined the organization's cohesion and effectiveness, particularly in addressing sensitive political matters.
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Human Rights Concerns: Despite its commitment to human rights promotion, the OAS has faced criticism for inconsistencies in its approach to addressing human rights abuses across the region. Some observers argue that the organization's selective engagement and perceived political biases have undermined its credibility and effectiveness in fulfilling its human rights mandate.
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Resource Constraints: Like many international organizations, the OAS confronts challenges related to funding and resource allocation, which can impact its operational capacity and the implementation of its programs and initiatives. Overreliance on external funding sources and competing budgetary priorities pose ongoing challenges to the organization's sustainability and effectiveness.
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Legitimacy and Accountability: Questions regarding the OAS's legitimacy and accountability have surfaced in the wake of certain controversial decisions or actions taken by the organization. Critics have called for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the OAS's decision-making processes to ensure that the interests of all member states are adequately represented and respected.
Major Programs and Initiatives of the OAS
The OAS runs various programs to support its mission.
- Inter-American Democratic Charter (2001): A framework to strengthen democracy.
- Inter-American Court of Human Rights: Resolves legal disputes.
- Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Support: Boosting local businesses.
- Cybersecurity Programs – Preventing cyber threats.
Impact and Legacy of the Organization of American States (OAS)
Despite its challenges, the Organization of American States (OAS) has made significant contributions to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Americas. Here are some of its key impacts and lasting legacies:
(i) Promoting Democracy:
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Through electoral observation missions, the OAS has supported free and fair elections and strengthened democratic institutions.
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Its democratic assistance programs have helped reinforce democratic norms and values across the region.
(ii) Mediating Conflicts and Enhancing Security:
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The OAS has addressed transnational crime, terrorism, and regional security threats.
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Initiatives like the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism and Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism on Drugs have enhanced regional cooperation to combat shared security issues.
(iii) Promoting Human Rights:
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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) monitors human rights violations and provides recommendations to improve member states’ human rights records.
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The OAS has significantly advanced human rights norms and standards in the region.
(iv) Fostering Sustainable Development:
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The OAS promotes inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and social welfare.
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Programs like the Inter-American Program for Sustainable Development and Inter-American Social Protection Network focus on addressing socioeconomic disparities and promoting sustainable development practices.
The OAS's legacy is evident in its continued work to foster democracy, peace, human rights, and economic development throughout the Americas.
Final Words
The Organization of American States (OAS) remains a crucial institution for democracy, security, and economic development in the Americas. Despite challenges, it continues to play a major role in election monitoring, human rights protection, and regional cooperation.
With proper reforms and stronger collaboration among member states, the OAS can ensure a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for the Western Hemisphere. Hope you enjoyed reading with Academic Block, please provide you valuable views in comment section to make this article better. Thanks for Reading!
Questions and answers related to the Organization of American States (OAS):
The OAS is an independent regional organization comprising 35 member states from the Americas. While it collaborates with the United Nations on various initiatives, it operates separately, focusing on regional issues such as democracy, human rights, security, and development.
The OAS is a multilateral regional body dedicated to promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and development across the Americas. Established in 1948, it serves as the principal political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Western Hemisphere.
The OAS focuses on four main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. It facilitates political dialogue, supports democratic institutions, promotes human rights, addresses security challenges, and fosters sustainable development throughout the Americas.
The OAS operates based on four interlinked pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. These pillars guide its efforts in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Americas through collaborative initiatives and legal frameworks.
The OAS is primarily funded through assessed contributions from its member states, based on their gross national income. The United States is the largest contributor, accounting for approximately 50% of the Regular Fund in 2025. Additionally, voluntary contributions from member states and permanent observers support specific programs and initiatives.
The OAS headquarters, known as the House of the Americas, is located at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., USA. It comprises five buildings in close proximity, including the Main Building, General Secretariat Building, Administration Building, Art Museum of the Americas, and The Casita.
The OAS plays a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, promoting democratic governance, safeguarding human rights, ensuring security, and advancing sustainable development. It serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states to address common challenges and opportunities in the Americas.
The OAS is an independent regional organization comprising 35 member states from the Americas. While it collaborates with the United Nations on various initiatives, it operates separately, focusing on regional issues such as democracy, human rights, security, and development.
The OAS is a multilateral regional body dedicated to promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and development across the Americas. Established in 1948, it serves as the principal political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Western Hemisphere.
The OAS focuses on four main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. It facilitates political dialogue, supports democratic institutions, promotes human rights, addresses security challenges, and fosters sustainable development throughout the Americas.
The OAS operates based on four interlinked pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. These pillars guide its efforts in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Americas through collaborative initiatives and legal frameworks.
The OAS is primarily funded through assessed contributions from its member states, based on their gross national income. The United States is the largest contributor, accounting for approximately 50% of the Regular Fund in 2025. Additionally, voluntary contributions from member states and permanent observers support specific programs and initiatives.
The OAS headquarters, known as the House of the Americas, is located at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., USA. It comprises five buildings in close proximity, including the Main Building, General Secretariat Building, Administration Building, Art Museum of the Americas, and The Casita.
The OAS plays a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation, promoting democratic governance, safeguarding human rights, ensuring security, and advancing sustainable development. It serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states to address common challenges and opportunities in the Americas.
Goal of the Organization of American States
Promotion of Peace and Security: The OAS aims to promote peace and security in the Western Hemisphere by preventing conflicts, resolving disputes through peaceful means, and fostering a culture of dialogue and cooperation among member states.
Advancement of Democracy: Central to the OAS’s mission is the promotion and consolidation of democratic governance and electoral integrity across the Americas. The organization works to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Protection of Human Rights: The OAS is committed to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Americas. It seeks to prevent human rights abuses, investigate violations, and hold perpetrators accountable, while also promoting awareness, education, and capacity-building in the field of human rights.
Promotion of Integral Development: The OAS aims to promote integral development and socioeconomic progress in the Americas by addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. It supports initiatives to enhance education, healthcare, employment, and economic opportunities for all citizens, with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Strengthening of Inter-American Cooperation: The OAS seeks to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among member states, fostering partnerships and collaboration on shared challenges and opportunities. It promotes dialogue, exchange, and joint action across a wide range of areas, including security, trade, culture, and the environment.
Protection of Sovereignty and Non-Intervention: The OAS upholds the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of member states. It respects the diversity of political systems and ideologies in the region while promoting mutual respect, trust, and cooperation among all nations.
Promotion of Hemispheric Integration: The OAS works to promote hemispheric integration and unity among the countries of the Americas. It supports initiatives to strengthen economic, political, and cultural ties, enhance connectivity and infrastructure, and foster a sense of shared identity and belonging among peoples of the region.
How a country becomes a member of the OAS
Expression of Interest: A country interested in joining the OAS typically expresses its interest through formal channels. This expression of interest may come in the form of a letter or diplomatic communication addressed to the Secretary-General of the OAS, indicating the country’s desire to become a member.
Consideration by the Permanent Council: Upon receiving a formal expression of interest, the Permanent Council of the OAS reviews the request and considers whether the applicant country meets the membership criteria outlined in the OAS Charter. These criteria include geographical location in the Americas and a commitment to the principles and purposes of the organization.
Consultation with Member States: The Permanent Council may consult with existing member states to gather their views and assess their support for the admission of the applicant country. This consultation process helps ensure consensus among member states regarding the admission of new members.
Approval by the General Assembly: If the Permanent Council determines that the applicant country meets the membership criteria and garners sufficient support from existing member states, it may recommend the admission of the country to the OAS General Assembly. The General Assembly, as the highest decision-making body of the organization, then considers the recommendation and votes on whether to admit the applicant country as a new member.
Accession to the OAS Charter: If the General Assembly approves the admission of the applicant country, it formally becomes a member of the OAS by acceding to the OAS Charter. Accession to the Charter signifies the country’s commitment to the principles and purposes of the organization and its willingness to abide by its provisions.
Official Notification and Recognition: Following the General Assembly’s decision to admit the new member, the Secretary-General of the OAS officially notifies the applicant country of its admission and extends recognition of its membership. The new member then becomes entitled to the rights and privileges afforded to OAS member states, including participation in OAS activities and decision-making processes.
Notable achievements of the OAS
Promotion of Democracy: The OAS has played a crucial role in promoting democratic governance and electoral integrity across the Americas. Through its election observation missions, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, the organization has supported free and fair elections, democratic transitions, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in member states.
Inter-American Democratic Charter: One of the OAS’s most significant achievements is the adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001. The charter reaffirms the commitment of member states to democracy and democratic governance, establishing mechanisms for promoting and defending democracy in the region.
Human Rights Protection: The OAS has been instrumental in advancing human rights norms and standards across the Americas. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights play essential roles in monitoring human rights situations, investigating violations, and holding member states accountable for human rights abuses.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation: The OAS has facilitated diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution efforts to address regional disputes and promote reconciliation among member states. From mediating conflicts in Central America to addressing political crises in countries like Honduras and Venezuela, the organization has helped prevent conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions.
Promotion of Integral Development: The OAS has supported initiatives to promote sustainable development and socioeconomic progress in the Americas. Through programs and projects focused on poverty reduction, gender equality, education, healthcare, and economic integration, the organization has contributed to improving the quality of life for millions of people in the region.
Regional Cooperation on Security: The OAS has promoted cooperation among member states to address security challenges, including transnational crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and arms proliferation. Mechanisms such as the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) facilitate collaboration and coordination in combating these threats.
Promotion of Social Inclusion: The OAS has worked to promote social inclusion, equity, and diversity in the Americas. Initiatives such as the Inter-American Social Charter highlight the commitment of member states to address social disparities, promote social welfare, and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
Response to Natural Disasters and Humanitarian Crises: The OAS has mobilized regional responses to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, providing assistance, coordination, and support to affected countries. Whether responding to hurricanes, earthquakes, or other emergencies, the organization has demonstrated solidarity and cooperation in times of need.
Significant milestones in the history of OAS
1948 – Establishment of the OAS: The OAS was founded on April 30, 1948, in Bogotá, Colombia, with the signing of the Charter of the OAS by 21 member states. The organization aimed to promote peace, security, democracy, and economic development in the Western Hemisphere.
1959 – Declaration of the Inter-American System: The OAS General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Inter-American System in 1959, reaffirming the commitment of member states to the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the OAS played a pivotal role in addressing the threat posed by Soviet missiles in Cuba. The organization’s collective action, through the establishment of a naval quarantine around Cuba, helped defuse the crisis and avert a potential nuclear confrontation.
1969 – American Convention on Human Rights: The OAS adopted the American Convention on Human Rights (also known as the Pact of San José) in 1969, establishing a regional framework for the protection and promotion of human rights in the Americas.
1991 – Adoption of the Democratic Charter: The OAS adopted the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001, reaffirming the commitment of member states to democracy and democratic governance. The charter established mechanisms for promoting and defending democracy, including diplomatic initiatives and sanctions in cases of democratic breakdown.
1994 – Summit of the Americas: The OAS convened the first Summit of the Americas in Miami, Florida, bringing together heads of state and government from across the Western Hemisphere to discuss key issues such as trade, democracy, and sustainable development.
2001 – Adoption of the Democratic Charter: The OAS adopted the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001, reaffirming the commitment of member states to democracy and democratic governance. The charter established mechanisms for promoting and defending democracy, including diplomatic initiatives and sanctions in cases of democratic breakdown.
2009 – Honduras Crisis: The OAS played a central role in addressing the political crisis in Honduras following the ousting of President Manuel Zelaya in 2009. The organization suspended Honduras from its membership and worked to facilitate dialogue and negotiations to restore constitutional order and democratic governance.
2019 – Crisis in Venezuela: The OAS has been actively involved in addressing the political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The organization has supported diplomatic initiatives, electoral observation missions, and humanitarian aid efforts to promote dialogue, restore democracy, and alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people.
2020 – Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OAS has coordinated regional efforts to combat the spread of the virus, mitigate its socio-economic impact, and facilitate the distribution of vaccines and medical supplies across the Americas.
Main organs of the OAS
General Assembly: The General Assembly serves as the highest decision-making body of the OAS, where all member states are represented. It meets annually to discuss key regional issues, adopt resolutions, and set policy priorities. Each member state has one vote, and decisions are made through consensus or by a two-thirds majority vote.
Permanent Council: The Permanent Council is composed of ambassadors accredited to the OAS by member states. It meets regularly throughout the year to oversee the implementation of General Assembly mandates, provide ongoing guidance and coordination, and address urgent matters that arise between General Assembly sessions.
Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI): CIDI is responsible for promoting integral development and socioeconomic cooperation among member states. It coordinates the activities of various specialized agencies and committees within the OAS related to development issues, such as education, health, and sustainable development.
Inter-American Juridical Committee (CJI): The Inter-American Juridical Committee is an advisory body composed of legal experts from member states. It provides legal advice and recommendations to the OAS on matters related to international law, treaty interpretation, and legal disputes.
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR): The IACHR is an autonomous body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in the Americas. It conducts on-site visits, investigates human rights violations, issues reports and recommendations, and engages in advocacy and capacity-building activities related to human rights.
Inter-American Court of Human Rights: The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is a judicial body responsible for interpreting and applying the provisions of the American Convention on Human Rights. It hears cases brought against member states for alleged violations of human rights and issues binding judgments on these matters.
Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD): CICAD is responsible for coordinating efforts among member states to combat drug trafficking, drug abuse, and related organized crime. It promotes cooperation, capacity-building, and information sharing to address the drug problem in the Americas.
Academic References on the OAS
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- De Barros, L. A. (2004). The Inter-American Democratic Charter: A democratic security response in Latin America. Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs, 46(4), 29-57.
- Griffith, W. E. (1982). The Inter-American system: A history of its institutional development. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.
- Haggard, S., & Mora, F. O. (2017). Authoritarian legacies, party systems, and democracy in Latin America. Latin American Politics and Society, 59(4), 19-41.
- Helfer, L. R., & Slaughter, A. M. (1997). Toward a theory of effective supranational adjudication. The Yale Law Journal, 107(2), 273-391.
- Langley, L. A. (2004). The Americas in transition: The contours of regionalism. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
- Malamud, A. (2005). Presidentialism and party coalitions in multiparty presidential regimes: Evidence from Latin America. Comparative Political Studies, 38(9), 1039-1067.
- Mora, F. O., & Ocampo, J. A. (2005). Latin American economic history: Between the World Wars. Springer.
- Paine, S. C. M. (2011). The wars for independence in Latin America. Routledge.
- Pérez-Liñán, A., & Carvalho, M. (2008). Presidential control of high courts in Latin America: A long-term view (1904-2006). Journal of Politics in Latin America, 1(3), 3-28.