Spain is losing ground in Latin America: End of an era of influence?

In the international competition between the United States and China for influence in Latin America, one nation is notably losing ground: Spain. The political relevance of the country with the closest cultural, historical, and linguistic ties to the region has been fading over the past two decades, due to lack of attention, misunderstandings, and political changes both in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. The recent personal dispute between the Argentine president, Javier Milei, and the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, is a clear example of how much the relationship between Spain and its former colonies has deteriorated. The reckless comments made by both leaders have escalated tensions to a level that has jeopardized diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have historically been united by a deep friendship and affection. It is evident that Spain's presence in Latin America has been losing strength, as demonstrated by the dissatisfaction of leaders like Milei and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who in the past has demanded apologies from Spain for abuses committed during the conquest of Mexico. This lack of harmony among leaders reflects a loss of influence of Spain in the region. Political fragmentation and tribal sentiment have also contributed to once unthinkable actions, such as the alliance of leaders like Milei and Chilean presidential candidate José Antonio Kast with far-right parties in Spain, becoming more common. Furthermore, Sánchez's lack of support for Latin American leaders like Milei in past elections has further weakened Spain's image in the region. The decline of Spain's political influence in Latin America is not a new phenomenon; lack of involvement in key debates in Latin America, such as drug trafficking, migration, or the situation in Venezuela, has contributed to this loss of relevance. Additionally, past actions, such as the unsuccessful mediation in Venezuela by former President Zapatero, have undermined Spain's credibility in the region. Despite this, Spain's influence in Latin America is not limited solely to the political sphere. Commercial, cultural, and business relations between Spain and Latin American countries remain robust, with Spanish companies investing in the region and Latin American companies solidifying their presence in Spain. Cooperation on security, justice, and intelligence issues also remains important. Although Spain's political influence in Latin America has waned, the relationship between the two continues to be strong in various areas. Connections through flights, tourism, and cultural ties continue to strengthen the bonds between the Iberian Peninsula and the Latin American region. Despite political tensions, the relationship between Spain and Latin America is sustained by various intangible elements that should not be underestimated. In conclusion, while Spain's political influence in Latin America has been diminishing, the relationship between the two remains significant in economic, cultural, and cooperative aspects. Perhaps it is time for Spain to strengthen other areas of its relationship with the region, leveraging its historical and cultural ties to continue building bridges in a global context of competition between powers like the United States and China.