Every few years, often led by Brazil, the South Americans attempt to launch their version of the EU—the latest incarnation being UNASUR, of which twelve South American nations are members. Its headquarters are in Ecuador but Brazil has the loudest voice. In this it resembles the EU, which has its headquarters in Belgium and a leading power in Germany. And there the comparison stops. UNASUR has an impressive presence on the Internet but it remains more of a website than an economic union.
