Theory of juridification of dispute resolution systems applied to the analysis of Mercosur regional integration processes

Abstract

The objective of this work is to evaluate the role of the current “Mercosur Dispute Settlement System” in terms of its virtues in promoting the advancement of regional integration within the scope of Mercosur, using theoretical categories and tools methodologically for this purpose related to studies of the phenomenon of juridification (or “legalization”). The aforementioned instrument was based on the assumptions presented in the theory of juridification developed by Kenneth W. Abbott, Robert O. Keohane, Andrew Moravcsik, Anne-Marie Slaughter, and Duncan Snidal), in which the authors defend a classification structure of international organizations by their level of juridification/institutionalization, measuring this level through three fundamental dimensions of the juridification process, namely: obligation, precision and delegation. Based on the research findings, an attempt was made to delimit the implications of the Mercosur dispute settlement system on the bloc’s integration process, evaluating its weaknesses and potentialities as a factor in consolidating the integration process, in particular through the expansion of security. legal in relations between the members of the bloc. Thus, what remains to be considered is what paths should be taken so that the current system is capable of positively influencing the process of regional integration that has been weakened in recent years, or even what structural changes would be necessary to achieve this end?