BUILDING BRIDGES

THE MULTIFACETED IMPACT OF MERCOSUR AGREEMENTS ON TRADE, MOBILITY, AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN SOUTH AMERICA

Authors

  • Francisco campos da costa cest
  • Cássius Guimarães Chai UFMA

Keywords:

MERCOSUL, TRADE AGREEMENTS, MOBILITY, RESIDENCE AGREEMENT, REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Abstract

This paper examines the complex integration processes in South America, particularly through the framework of MERCOSUL. The research focuses on how MERCOSUL's trade agreements and policies impact the free movement of people, goods, and services, and the resulting implications for regional economic development, social cohesion, and integration policies. The relevance of this research lies in understanding the multifaceted impact of globalization, economic, and social factors on the region, and how these dynamics shape migratory flows, economic growth, and social cohesion. The objectives of this research are to assess the effectiveness of MERCOSUL's trade agreements, such as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Egypt and the Economic Complementation Agreement, in promoting regional market liberalization, economic diversification, and foreign investment. Additionally, it aims to identify the socio-economic benefits of these agreements, including the free movement of people, cultural exchange, and harmonization of labor policies. This paper also seeks to highlight the challenges, such as restrictive immigration policies and bureaucracy, that prevent regional integration.The methodology employed in this paper includes a qualitative analysis of MERCOSUL's agreements, policy documents, and relevant literature. Data on economic indicators, migration patterns, and social metrics are analyzed to evaluate the impact of MERCOSUL's policies on the region. Additionally, the deductive method was applied, along with a literature review. The initial hypothesis is that MERCOSUL's trade agreements significantly contribute to regional economic development and social cohesion by facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services. Preliminary findings suggest that MERCOSUL's agreements have indeed promoted regional market liberalization and attracted foreign investment, leading to economic diversification. The socio-economic benefits, such as increased cultural exchange and the harmonization of labor policies, are evident. However, restrictive immigration policies and bureaucratic barriers continue to pose significant challenges, underscoring the need for enhanced cooperation between governments, institutions, and civil society. By analyzing these aspects, the paper underscores the importance of regional solidarity, cooperation, and integration for sustaining a resilient and competitive MERCOSUL in an interdependent global scenario. The study concludes that while MERCOSUL's trade agreements have had positive impacts on regional integration, further efforts are required to address the existing challenges and fully realize the potential benefits of these agreements.

Author Biography

Cássius Guimarães Chai, UFMA

Diplomado pela Escola Superior de Guerra: Curso Superior de Defesa e Curso de Política e Estratégia, 2019. Graduado em Direito pela Universidade Federal do Maranhão (1994), com especialização em Direito e Sociedade pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (1999), mestrado em Direito Constitucional pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (2001) e doutorado em Direito pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais e pela Cardozo School of Law - Yeshiva University (2006).Visiting Law Professor The Normal University of Political Science and Law of Beijing e de Shanghai; Visiting Researcher and Lecturer Chinese Academy of Social Sciences - International Institute of Law. Visiting Research Scholar Cardozo School of Law, 2003. Estudos Doutorais e de pós.doutorado em Derecho Administrativo de la Sociedad del Conocimiento - Universidad de Salamanca, 2007 a 2010; Estudos pós.doutorais e Visiting Professor, guest of Legal Department of Central European University - Hu, 2007; estudos extraordinários European University Institute - ITA, 2010; estudos na The Hague Academy of International Law - Haia, 2011; Professor Titular da Escola Superior do Ministério Público do Maranhão (ESMPMA). Pós-doutor em Direitos e Garantias Fundamentais pela Faculdade de Direito de Vitória (FDV). Professor Associado da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Curso de Graduação em Direito, área Direito Público, e titular do programa de pós-graduação em Direito e Instituições do Sistema de Justiça e do Programa de Engenharia Aeroespacial (Geopolítica).Professor Permanente do Programa de Pós-graduação da Faculdade de Dieito de Vitória em Direitos e Garantias Fundamentais, tutor da disciplina Geopolítica, Criminologia e Desenvolvimento. Membro-professor da International Association of Constitutional Law; Membro da ESIL - European Society of International Law; Membro da International Association of Political Science, American Political Science Association e da Association Française de Science Politique; International Association of Penal Law; Law and Society Association; membro da International Association of Prosecutors, 2003. Membro da International Criminology Society. Membro da International Law Association.Promotor de Justiça do Ministério Público do Maranhão - concurso de 1995; Tem experiência na área de Direito e das Ciências Políticas, com ênfase em Direito Público: Direito Constitucional, Direito Internacional, Direito Administrativo, Direito de Família e Teoria do Direito e da Constituição, atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: controle da administração pública, papel socioinstitucional do Ministério Público e políticas públicas; controle de constitucionalidade e processo constitucional; Saúde Pública e Direitos Humanos; Sistemas Internacionais de Proteção aos Direitos Humanos, Combate ao trabalho escravo e tráfico de pessoas; Justiça Global e Prevenção ao Crime: Contra-terrorismo; Criminalidade Organizada e Corrupção; Geopolítica, Criminologia e Desenvolvimento.

Published

2024-10-02

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2024): IX Congresso Internacional de Direitos Humanos de Coimbra

Section

SIMPÓSIO On79 - DIREITOS HUMANOS, MIGRAÇÕES, POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS INTERNACIONAIS E