Latin America is ill-equipped as a whole in facing the tide of current systemic transformations after a long and gradual process of loss of international gravitation. The region is divided and fragmented, lacking a common voice, articulated functional mechanisms or leaders that may head collective action. The causes of the «Latin American vacuum» are rooted, mainly, in dynamics operating within the region, exacerbated by the pandemic. The escape routes from the abyss and the reinstatement of constructive impulses will arise from the region itself.