RSSIn the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Spain, Britain, France and Portugal, and then Belgium, Italy, Germany and America, all believing in the superiority of their civilization, went out into the world to create empires to uplift and rule what Rudyard Kipling derisively called “the lesser breeds without the law.”
After two world wars, the rulers of these empires embraced a liberalism that now proclaimed the equality of all peoples, races, creeds, cultures and civilizations. This egalitarian ideology mandated the dismantling of empires and colonies as the reactionary relics of a benighted time.
Germany, Spain, Britain and France in South America:
South American bloc’s new trade appetite has suitors calling
“Mercosur is a customs union founded by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. By reaching an agreement with the EU last June, the bloc signaled it is serious about playing a greater role in the global economy. Diversifying trade partners is a growing necessity as Chinese demand is hit by the coronavirus epidemic.”
[…]
“Mercosur diplomats now have their hands full negotiating with South Korea, Canada and Singapore, while Indonesia and Vietnam are possible candidates. Plus, a deal with the European Free Trade Association — the bloc representing Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — is in its final stages.”
[…]
“Talvi attributed Mercosur’s recent eagerness to seek trade agreements to a growing realization among the Brazilian business community that greater access to foreign markets was key to their survival. “It’s my perception that three countries — Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — have decided on dynamic and swift global insertion.”
[…]
“Although Talvi said that the Organization of American States is the best forum to address regional crisis, he thinks a new body representing the Americas and Europe might also be needed as a mediator in Venezuela.”
https://www.bilaterals.org/?south-american-bloc-s-new-trade&lang=en