This article examines the ubiquity of low level use of military force among Latin American states within the context of the regional security architecture. The question is why low level uses of military force are tolerated in the region. The occurrence of militarization among Latin American states is documented, an argument about the determinants of the use of force in inter-state disputes developed and I postulate that the incentives to militarize are increasing. The security architecture for disputes among Latin American countries is evaluated and found wanting; the article ends with suggestions for diminishing the incentives to militarize.
militarization; peace; conflict
