Argentina’s Foreign Policy Under Milei: Limited Disruption?

Abstract

The decisive victory of Javier Milei in Argentina’s 2023 presidential elections signalled major changes in domestic policies and potential shifts in the country’s foreign policy and global positioning. During his campaign, Milei advocated a Western-oriented alignment with the United States, Israel and the ‘free world’, vowing to sever ties with ‘communist’ countries, including Brazil and China – Argentina’s major trading and economic partners. But his capacity to do this will likely be constrained by pressure to maintain domestic stability and his own ultra-libertarian principles. While Argentina probably will increasingly look West under Milei, the extent to which ties with the Global South, including Brazil and China, can be curtailed remains uncertain. The need for economic continuity and stability may temper Milei’s ability and inclination to break or significantly downgrade important relationships, pointing to substantial continuity in foreign and trade policy.