The Organization of American States and Regional Security Dilemmas

Abstract

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the oldest regional intergovernmental organization in the history of the Americas. The Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of American States grant the OAS the authority to carry out actions to maintain regional peace and security. However, despite the important role played by the OAS in handling regional affairs, the United States has repeatedly used the organization to pose a threat and damage to the political and military security of countries in the region, including violating the principle of collective security. For over half a century, when member countries face these security difficulties, the inaction of the OAS has filled the organization with divisions and contradictions, thus its future also faces many uncertainties.

Keywords: Organization of American States; the United States; collective security; Latin America.