2024-11-16 19:08:00
Events in the foreign policy arena in recent weeks have highlighted the presidential administration’s mercy Argentina abandoned its 1983 foreign policy model that restored democracy.
This view has now been set aside and, without any national debate, the government has turned to a policy: Fully aligned with the United States and Israel and launched an offensive against the organization’s work United NationsHe sees it as a cultural struggle against the “poor socialist ideas” that allegedly dominate life in Western countries.
Last Wednesday, November 13, Think Tank Redaip (Argentina’s Network of Foreign Policy Professionals) brings together former foreign ministers, deputy prime ministers, diplomats and legislators from different political backgrounds to discuss current foreign policy and the importance of national agreements for the country’s foreign policy.
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Nésto Kirchner and Cristina Kirchner, former Foreign Ministers, Rafael Bielsa and Jorge Tayana, President Alfonsín, former Deputy Prime Minister Raul Alconada Semper, former Ambassador to the United Nations Maria del Carmen Squife, former Governor of Tierra del Fuego State Senator Rosanna Bertone and Dean of the University of California, Riverside Martín Lousteau, Congresswoman Margarita Stolbizer and the author participated in a seminar titled “The Foreign Policy of Argentine Democracy” held at the School of Economics at the University of Buenos Aires.
From this conversation, which was full of ideas and suggestions, I allowed myself to extract what I consider to be the main coincidences.
Multilateral action is critical to our goals in Malvinas and to issues of common concern to the entire international community, such as peace, non-proliferation, human rights, the environment and sustainable development. Opposing the United Nations and its actions weakens us, alienates us from most countries, and jeopardizes the resolution of major issues of national interest.
Argentina has earned an international reputation for its policies to promote and protect human rights. The abandonment of continuity that has existed for forty years under different governments confuses us and distances us from our traditional partners and allies on this issue.
Argentina’s professional diplomatic corps is excellent and must be respected and encouraged to express its opinions freely, which creates a huge wealth of ideas for foreign policy. This enables political authorities to make optimal decisions in a complex and changing world. The threats and thought audits that have been announced are a reprehensible fact.
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Argentina must develop policies based on the diversity of our relationships. The distribution of power in the world has changed, with new players emerging with enormous economic and political influence. It is necessary to participate without ideological bias in all relevant international arenas where the future is discussed in order to better understand reality and better defend our interests.
A broad, diverse and comprehensive debate must take place throughout the leadership in order to reach consensus on a national foreign policy that can be sustained in the long term and integrate Argentina into the world in a cooperative and peaceful way.
These coincidences certainly did not exhaust the content of the seminar, which featured a variety of high-calibre presentations, which can be seen at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMsbfK2UxLA&t=1253s.
This valuable REDAPPE initiative is the first step to promote national agreements to avoid current mistakes and promote a sovereign and democratic foreign policy.
*Former Vice Principal
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How can Argentina maintain its leadership in human rights advocacy amidst the shifting foreign policy landscape?
**Interview with Rafael Bielsa, Former Argentine Foreign Minister**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Bielsa. In light of the recent seminar hosted by Redaip at the University of Buenos Aires, can you share your thoughts on Argentina’s new foreign policy direction?
**Bielsa:** Thank you for having me. The shift in Argentina’s foreign policy, particularly the full alignment with the United States and Israel, marks a significant departure from our historic approach. For decades, we’ve practiced a foreign policy grounded in democratic principles and multilateralism. This new direction, which seems to be an ideological response to what is viewed as “socialist ideas,” neglects the nuance needed in today’s complex global landscape.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of multilateralism at the seminar. Why do you believe it is critical for Argentina, especially regarding issues like the Malvinas?
**Bielsa:** Multilateral action has always been vital for Argentina’s interests, particularly in matters like the Malvinas. By engaging constructively with the United Nations and other international bodies, we strengthen our position and secure support from our traditional allies. Dismissing the UN not only isolates us but also undermines our efforts on significant issues like human rights and sustainable development, which resonate globally.
**Editor:** One key point raised during the seminar was the historical success of Argentina in promoting human rights on the world stage. How does the current policy shift jeopardize this standing?
**Bielsa:** Argentina has built a reputation as a champion for human rights over the years, transcending party lines. The current administration’s abrupt departure from this legacy confuses our international partners and risks alienating us from cooperative initiatives. By abandoning the principles that have characterized our approach, we lose moral authority and trust, which are crucial for any nation seeking to advocate for these issues effectively.
**Editor:** The seminar gathered a diverse range of political figures. How can cross-party collaboration enhance Argentina’s foreign policy in such turbulent times?
**Bielsa:** Cross-party collaboration is essential in crafting a coherent and consistent foreign policy. When multiple political voices unite to advocate for common goals, it sends a strong message of stability and reliability to the international community. The challenges we face today—be it climate change, security threats, or social justice—require a united front. Only through a collective approach can we navigate these complexities effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Bielsa, for sharing your insights. It appears that the conversation around Argentina’s foreign policy is far from over.
**Bielsa:** Indeed, it’s a crucial discussion that needs to continue. For the sake of our nation and our values on the global stage, we must ensure that our foreign policy reflects our democratic principles and commitment to multilateral engagement. Thank you for having me.