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Where did this dream come from? What was Simon Bolivar's idea of an American federation?
Simon Bolivar, known as the liberator of South America, has an immortal vision for the unification of Latin America. The idea originated in the 19th century, when Bolivar and other revolutionaries sought to build a community as they emerged from Spanish colonial rule. As Bolivar said at the Panama Congress in 1826, he hoped to use this federation as the basis for countries to join forces to protect their interests.
"We must work together to establish clear objects to defend each other's independence and dignity."
Bolivar's proposal was not immediately accepted at the time, although representatives from participating countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela today all supported it. At that meeting, the "Treaty of Union, Alliance and Eternal Federation" proposed by Bolivar was ultimately passed by the Congress of Colombia in his hometown, making it difficult to realize his dream of an American federation.
After entering the 20th century, the world situation has become more complicated. Countries in the Americas faced external threats, especially the two world wars that followed. In order to strengthen regional security, 34 American countries established the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C. in 1948. This organization is rooted in Bolivar's philosophy and aims to promote cooperation and peace among countries.
"Based on working together, we can provide a platform to promote economic, social and cultural development."
To date, OAS has become an important mechanism to promote cooperation among countries in the Americas. Its functions cover human rights, election supervision, social and economic development and other fields. As time goes by, OAS gradually assumes the responsibility of maintaining regional peace and stability.
However, although the organization was founded on the noble ideal of unity, the OAS also faces challenges in carrying out and implementing its mandate. For example, an audit of Bolivia's 2019 election led to a political crisis and raised questions about the neutrality and influence of the OAS. Different countries have different views on OAS, ranging from active participation to cold treatment, reflecting the complex political relations within the region.
In the 21st century, OAS not only plays an important role in election supervision, but also makes continuous efforts to promote the development of human rights and democracy. As former OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said,
"We must work hard to ensure that every country can enjoy democracy and freedom. Only in this way can we achieve true cooperation and unity in the Americas."
However, historically speaking, Bolivar's dream has not been fully realized. Although the OAS has played an important role in promoting cooperation and resolving conflicts, internal differences and historical issues still affect the stability of the region. For example, Cuba has been excluded from the OAS since 1962 due to its political stance, which has complicated its relations with other Latin American countries.
In short, Simon Bolivar's idea of an American federation remains an unfinished project in the long history of history. As the successor of this ideal, OAS constantly adjusts itself to meet new challenges. Focusing on cooperation and exchanges among American countries, Bolivar's spirit still inspires today's leaders.
So, as we look back at Simon Bolivar's dream, can we identify new paths to resurrecting this vision?
