It is difficult to generalize a whole continent, and that is especially true for one as big as South America. From the north tropics of Cartagena to the Antarctic extremities of Patagonia, the varying climates of the landmass is only superseded in variety by the existence of many biomes, from the frigid high altitudes of the Andes, to the palmy Caribbean coasts, to the humid Amazon, to the Mediterranean weathers of Chilean and Argentine wine producing regions.
The sheer diversity of the lands that occupy South America, then, makes it all the more surprising that the human societies developed in them share so many similarities. From food, to cultures and customs, to the very obvious common Spanish language, the countries of the continent faced similar histories and are thus shaped in similar ways. It suffices to say that the heritage left by Spanish colonization, undoubtedly, has much to do with the similarities of the countries in question.
But to simply attribute the similarities squarely to Spanish colonization is over simplifying. The reality is that, as a continent, South America often to have to endure crises that happened regardless of national borders. The great independence fighters Bolivar and San Martin liberated not just single countries, the rise of Che, Allende, Peron, Chavez, and a South American brand of political socialism affected not just their own countries but the whole continent's ideologies.
And of course, the indigenous inhabitants, across all national identities, fight for more important political and economic roles. They hold different citizenships and belong to different pre-Columbian societies, but in attempts to gain greater recognition in contemporary South American societies, they share similar ideals and obstacles. Indeed, it is the indigenous, rather than the long-established Spanish, traditions, that are becoming unique identity markers in South America today.
It is these pan-continental similarities that give South America its potential. Despite differences in levels of economic development and political ideologies, shared language and culture allow for much easier cooperation across borders in ways that are unimaginable for peoples on other continents. If South Americans can use their shared social identities in productive manner, it is not difficult to imagine an European Union-style collaboration that is much closer and smoother.
Of course, practical obstacles remain. Economic realities, for one thing, remain harsh across all countries. Inequality is high in most, if not all, of the major economies on the continent, and the situation is not getting any better in the current downturns. Politically, the continent remains in flux, as hardline socialists continue to be a source of instability, while endless accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement bring down even the most liberal of political administrations.
None of these are unique to South America, but can be amplified in the South American political scene. The continent is historically plagued by both economic isolationism and political hotheadedness, with neighboring countries fighting lengthy border wars to devastating effect. It is not difficult to imagine any nascent sense of friendly collaboration quickly turning into open hostility even today, if one party or the other suffer from radical political or economic changes with continent-wide implications.
Yet, none of this should be sufficient reasons to prevent efforts at greater integrations for the continent's different countries. If anything, greater integration can be a source of stability in itself, diffusing future crises with coordinated actions led by multinational teams. Today, such efforts in South America are simply insufficient, causing some states, and unfortunately, also the common people, to feel indifferent toward sufferings of other countries nearby. This simply should not be the case.
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