The Southern Cone Studies Section aims to increase communication and interdisciplinary work among scholars and researchers from different disciplines and professional backgrounds of the countries in the region (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay). The section will assist researchers, students and practitioners in creating common scholarly interests and goals related to the study of the Southern Cone. The Section will provide a forum for collaborative research and joint activities. In order to accomplish its goals, the Section will:

1.Organize panels, round table discussions, and invite speakers to the LASA Conference;

2. Organize Special Panels to honor the work of prominent Southern Cone intellectuals and artists;

3. Establish an Award for the best scholarly paper and another for outstanding contribution to cultural and social development;

4. Create a Website in order to centralize information about ongoing activities, maintain its members informed, and promote a chat room on current issues in the area;

5. Sponsor research activities of particular interest to Section members, including the publication of papers presented at the LASA Conference, teaching workshops, etc;

6. Compile an electronic directory, and

7. Create a interdisciplinary Research Project