South America

Just a little something to get away from India/Pakistan violence. In recent years (ie. since the US removed many of the rules of arms sales to the region) South America has become quite an interesting region concerning purchases. So far we have seen Peru purchase the MiG-29 and Su-25. Chile has decided to purchase the F-16. Brazil looks like it will purchase the Su-35 and has purchased the A-4. Venezuela wants to upgrade the F-16 fleet. Ecuador needs a new type to match Peruvian superiority. Argentina has its “new” Fighting Hawks. Just one question comes to mind about all this, whats with all the new equipment???
I know the old saying “To maintain peace you must be prepared for war” but these fellas are just starting a regional arms race. I can understand Peru and Ecuadors need to keep up with each other and Brazils need to defend its interests off shore, but no actual aggresion exists between any of these nations save Peru and Ecuador, does it???
Brazil already has the best force in the region outside of Perus Mirage 2000P amd MiG-29 fleets, Venezuelas F-16s (not really sure about these old birds posing too much of a threat) and Chiles Pantera upgrades so I guess the introduction of the Su-35 (if it goes ahead) has some sort of logic. It will certainly guarantee Brazil remains top dog for some time. But does Brazil really face a threat to its borders???
Chile as far as I know has resolved its despute with Argentina over the border a long time ago…and seems to have good relations with Peru. Is the F-16 meant to “defeat” the M2KP or MiG-29 threat???
Peru and Ecuador are obvious candidates for arms purchases so enough said about these two.

It would be really helpful to me if anyone here knows of any potential large scale conflict which could erupt in the region as this will help me with my – not going too well – novel. I think South America would be a bit of a break from “The Evil Ruskies invade the great Western European alliance” kind of c*** we seem to be having a lot of these days.

P.S.
If anyone has any ideas about fictional causes for a conflict in the region which may give me some ideas PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE post them.