Introduction

This chapter outlines the aims, structure, and key contributions of the book. It emphasises that the book seeks to analyse how the liquidity of regional projects in the Americas serves as a structural factor in the consolidation, or fragmentation, of these regionalist processes. We argue that the current challenges facing regionalism, particularly in the Americas, are not merely the result of unfavourable political circumstances but stem from a deeper, problematic integration logic we term Liquid Regionalism. The concept of Liquid Regionalism is introduced as a lens for understanding recent shifts in regionalist initiatives across the continent. It explains why some initiatives are disintegrating – or melting - while others exhibit greater institutional resilience. This emerging paradigm is marked by characteristics such as fluidity, volatility, and minimal institutional depth, exemplified by the fragility of regional institutions in the Americas. Furthermore, the concept extends beyond the Americas, offering potential insights into regionalist dynamics in other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia.