Contemporary Argentina and the Rise of Brazil

Abstract

This article focuses on: (a) Argentine elites' perception of Brazil's international rise from 2001/2002 up to the present; and (b) the three strategic options implemented by Argentina as a response to Brazil's growing power and influence. These options – regionalism, light balancing and soft hedging – constitute a new typology, since the corresponding behaviors cannot be inscribed within the conventional logic of balancing or bandwagoning. The article concludes with brief comments on what could be seen as a new stage in bilateral relations.