An examination of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America as a form of counter-hegemonic regionalism

This thesis utilises a neo-Gramscian theoretical approach to test its hypothesis and determine whether ALBA can be seen as counter-hegemonic regional movement engaged in a war of position against US hegemony and by extension neoliberalism. Critical IPE, particularly Robert Cox’s critical theory of hegemony, world order and historical change forms the basis of this works theoretical approach or analysis. With the utilization of this approach, this thesis will provide a historical account and critically access the various factors, which have led to the creation of ALBA, its early developments, and its current form. This approach provides a very clear and coherent framework for understanding the various ways in which contestation or resistance against the common sense can occur. Therefore, within the parameters of this neo-Gramscian/Coxian framework, ALBA can be critically assessed, to determine if it can be seen as a viable counter-hegemonic regional movement, that is challenging US hegemony and by extension the neoliberal world order.