El populismo y la reconfiguración de la integración regional en América Latina y Europa

In this article, the relationship between the rise of populism—both on the left and on the right wings—and its varying effects on regional integration processes in Europe and Latin America is examined. To this end, the populist rhetoric—exploited by political leaders seeking to gain power by confronting traditional elites—and how it has given rise to a new sovereignist and anti-elitist narrative is analyzed. Within this narrative, integration projects are portrayed as tools of the established powers that may be perceived as threats to national sovereignty. It is argued that, under certain conditions, this can lead to difficulties in achieving common objectives within regional blocs, as well as a reduced capacity for collective decision-making, the politicization of common rules, and a tendency to replace regional agendas with bilateral or ideologically aligned strategies. Furthermore, such fragmentation can create a power vacuum, disrupting traditional geopolitical balances and undermining Latin America’s ability to influence the international order.