Spanish foreign policy toward Latin America: recent trends and prospects for the future

Abstract

This article focuses on Spanish foreign policy toward Latin America in the years since the Socialist government left office and the Popular Party (PP), headed by José María Aznar, came to power. With the historical constants in the relationship between Spain andLatin America as a starting point, the author analyses how the European dimension has shaped the Latin American dimension and identifies the changes and trends observable in recent years. After noting a growing Europeanization of Spanish foreign policy, he generally observes a growing pragmatism and realism in adjusting policy to the available means. During the PP’s second term, the emphasis in Latin American policy appear to be on the economic dimension, reflecting the significant corporate investment of the last decade, and on the strengthening of cultural ties. Nevertheless, the Latin American option has not received the same attention as other regions in the formulation of policy. There continues to be a large element of rhetoric not consistent with a solid strategic line as well as a lack of precision in goals, tools and means.

Keywords

• España
• América Latina
• política exterior
• Unión Europea