Ordem Internacional e Multilateralismo

General Introduction, por Hélio Jaguaribe

This general introduction to The European Union, Mercosul and the New World Order departs from an analysis of the world order that followed the end of the cold war, to which the author gives the name of “unimultipolarity”. This “unimultipolarity”, headed by the US, has its limitations as well as a definite scope of intervention, but also a great level of instability. As a consequence of this instability, it is argued, profound changes will take place, namely at three main historical-social levels: the economic-social; the international; and the civilisational level. After having traced and described these, the paper reflects on what the consequences should are for the member countries of Mercosul, given the international conditions described.