The forces of regional co-operation, 1942–97

Abstract

VARIOUS and often contradictory forces have shaped the discourse and practice of regional co-operation in the Caribbean since the Second World War. Many of these forces - such as cultural heritages and international identities - have been simultaneously internal and external to the region. Some have been only external, such as imperial policies and the evolution of capitalism, while others can be considered internal to the region, as is the case with national identities and leaders, and diverse social groups. Most of these have stimulated as much as they have deterred efforts and projects of co-operation. At least until the 1970s, however, nothing galvanized cooperation in the Caribbean as much as the ideas and projects of economic development.