Erratic Argentine foreign policy will prove damaging

Significance

Fernandez’s visits to Russia, weeks before the invasion of Ukraine, and to China, to witness the opening of a Winter Olympics boycotted by several Western countries, have renewed doubts over Argentina’s foreign policy, which is perceived as erratic, uncoordinated, and influenced by contradictory views within the ruling Frente de Todos (FdT) coalition.

Impacts

• The supposed objective of a diverse and pragmatic foreign policy poses long-term risks for foreign investment.
• Argentina’s IMF debt will condition US ties, already complicated by opposing views and tensions within the ruling coalition.
• Fernandez’s tendency to deliver conflicting policy statements and improvise in diplomatic encounters will damage Argentina abroad.