The Summits of the Americas: a new platform for civil society

This article analyzes the accomplishments of the Summits of the Americas regarding the inclusion of non-governmental actors in the definition of the hemispheric agenda. The description identifies the reach of the opening at both the regional and national levels. In the conclusion, the authors assess the challenges faced by the civil society participatory forums in order to get institutionalized as democratic platforms for dialogue between governmental and non- governmental actors across the region.