Cross-Border Cooperation and Development in the Southern Cone: Building a New Geography

Abstract

The traditional system of planning and territorial management, associated to the political and administrative borders, has shown itself to be limited in light of economic and social dynamics and has opened discussion about territorial cooperation, among which we highlight those of a cross-border nature within the Southern Cone. Using the Brazil-ArgentinaUruguay borders as a case study, this article employs documental and bibliographic analysis to systematize the politicaladministrative organization of the three countries, explaining the scales and competences pertinent to the establishment of a cross-border cooperative geography, as well as proposing strategies for its feasibility. The results pointed to a gradual process that includes the elaboration of cooperative plans between border entities, gradual transfers (or sharing) of competences and finally the establishment of a consortium structure that goes beyond national boundaries.