This paper by Luis L. Schenoni and co-authors delves into the intriguing historical phenomenon of how states in the Americas have managed to mitigate the escalation of their disputes into full-blown wars, instead keeping conflicts confined to lower levels of severity over the past century. By tracing the trajectory of interstate conflict severity in the region, the study proposes a compelling correlation with the establishment of key norms, particularly the principles of territorial integrity and non-intervention. Central to this analysis is the visionary perspective of Carlos Saavedra Lamas, the recipient of the 1936 Nobel Peace Prize, whose pivotal role in ending the Chaco War underscores the significance of these norms in maintaining peace. According to the paper, since a region-wide agreement on these norms in the juncture of the 1933 Montevideo Conference, peace has crystalized in the Americas, setting an example for the rest of the world.
Decades of political science research have established that territorial disputes and disputes over the legitimacy of governments are some of the major causes of interstate war. If we look at the world today, international conflict continues to be driven fundamentally by intervention and territorial conquest. The War in Ukraine is a clear example. Yet, how were states in the Western Hemisphere able to forbit that type of violence? The Americas were once plagued by interstate warfare, yet in the 1930s underwent a remarkable transformation characterized by the dwindling frequency, duration, and severity of such conflicts. This paper seeks to unravel the enigma behind this shift, focusing on the emergence and consolidation of a unique norm-complex within the region—comprising territorial integrity, non-intervention, and peaceful conflict resolution—which served as a bulwark against the scourge of interstate war.
Drawing on insights from Latin American entrepreneurship post-independence and the ideals of Pan-Americanism, this study elucidates the gradual crystallization of the norm-complex. The signing of the Saavedra Lamas Treaty in the early 1930s stands as a watershed moment, marking the formal codification of these principles. Through meticulous analysis, the paper elucidates the process by which norm complexes develop, thrive, and ultimately shape the trajectory of interstate relations. Employing a multifaceted approach encompassing statistical analysis and within-case counterfactuals, the paper delves into the evolution and far-reaching effects of the Latin American norm-complex. By charting the decline of interstate conflict severity alongside the acceptance and institutionalization of these norms, the study offers compelling evidence of their efficacy in fostering regional stability and peace.