Building on a strong foundation: the inter-American system 1889-1989.

• Author: Restrepo, Jose Luis

When the inter-American system was created one hundred years ago, history was issued a challenge: in the Americas, the force of law would have to prevail over the law of force.

Peace has been the basic objective of inter-American institutions throughout their history. The peace tree gracing the patio of the headquarters of the Organization of American States is a fitting symbol of the ideals underlying the international organization of the nations of the Hemisphere.

Approximately six decades after the founding of the system, the Organization that now exists took shape through the adoption of the Charter of Bogota. The representatives of the American states declared, in the name of their peoples, that they had developed it "to achieve an order of peace and justice" through collaboration among the American nations, in defense of their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

Again and again, the system has been summoned to fulfill its mandate. Dialogue and understanding have staved off clashes...