Resumen

KERSFFELD, Daniel. The Role of UNASUR in International Conflicts: Two Case Studies. Rev. mex. cienc. polít. soc [online]. 2013, vol.58, n.218, pp.193-208. ISSN 0185-1918.

The Union of South American Nations, UNASUR, has, since its beginnings, stood out as an effective player in international conflict resolution and mediation. In order to achieve said resolution and mediation, this multilateral organization has appealed to different political configurations which allow for a channeling of conflicts which do not conform to institutional patterns and traditional resolutions. Despite its preference for alternate forms of resolution, presidential summits have worked as its main resource in the search for innovative solutions that are respectful of South American countries' democratic and constitutional order. This article specifically analyzes two cases of profound institutional problems: the failed coup d'état in Ecuador (which occurred on the 30^th of September 2010) and the overthrow of Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo in June 2012. After studying these two extreme cases, and their political reverberations, a comprehensive view is laid out regarding UNASUR's successes and failures as a player in international conflict resolutions.

Palabras llave : UNASUR; Ecuador; Paraguay; democracy; international conflict.