Current Forms of International Cooperation

This section describes the major varieties of international cooperation in education found today in the Americas. The objective of the section is to elaborate on forms of aid and to assess the opportunities and problems associated with varieties of those forms. Although much of the analysis is about difficulties in and with cooperation, the intention is not criticism but instead identification of the major obstacles to be removed on the path to more and more effective international cooperation.

Countries cooperate with each other for a variety of purposes, generally organized under rubrics of altruism and self-interest.⁹ Cooperation is a moral obligation, an expression of solidarity, a fulfillment of our humanity (Riddell, 1987). It also is pursued to expand markets, extend political hegemony, protect national security (Smith, 1990). These latter motives may be pursued by one country, or as a joint action of several countries, seeking to benefit by improving the welfare of all.¹⁰Countries may cooperate directly with each other or through supranational organizations supported by the participating countries.