Entre Europa y América Latina : la diplomacia española frente al conflicto de las Malvinas

Abstract

The position of Spain in the face of the Falklands war is characterized by its ambiguity and by being contrary to its neighboring countries. This is due to the internal circumstances of the moment and to the fact that the priority issues on the agenda - decolonization of Gibraltar, entry into the European Communities and maintenance of privileged relations with Latin America - cannot be jointly implemented. However, the community clearly dominates and, thus, the process of incorporation into the European institutions is decisive. To understand the above, the style of decision-making in democratic Spain is explained. Then, its position in the conflict is described and the existing political debate is analyzed. The "inopportunity" of the war for Spanish interests is verified, then, and general lessons are drawn about its options in international matters.