Argentina officially declared on Friday that it will not be joining the BRICS bloc of developing economies, signaling a significant departure from its previous foreign policy trajectory.
The announcement, made by Diana Mondino, the designated foreign minister under the upcoming administration of far-right populist President Javier Milei, underscores a notable shift in Argentina's geopolitical stance, as per ABC News.
Argentina's Milei Rejects BRICS Membership
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - DECEMBER 10: President of Argentina Javier Milei gives a speech after his Inauguration Ceremony at "Casa Rosada" Presidential Palace on December 10, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Milei, known for his libertarian ideology, had been vocal during the campaign about his reservations regarding China and his inclination towards aligning with the United States and Israel. While the fervor of his anti-communist rhetoric has subsided since his election on November 19, the decision not to join BRICS, a coalition comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, solidifies Milei's commitment to a distinct diplomatic approach.
On the campaign trail, Milei made harsh remarks of China, going as far as considering the possibility of severing diplomatic ties. He expressed his firm stance by stating, "I am not going to do business with any communist."
In the aftermath of the election, there has been a noticeable shift in his tone, as he now adopts a more tempered approach. However, he remains steadfast in his criticism of the leftist government led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In agreement with Milei's perspective, Diana Mondino emphasized that the perception of BRICS is predominantly that of a political alliance rather than a practical trade platform. In a dismissive tone, she downplayed the significance of BRICS for Argentina, confidently stating, "We already have diplomatic and trade relations with most of them."
Argentina's initial delight over being one of the six countries invited to join the bloc in August, thereby expanding it into an 11-nation alliance, has taken a different turn with this recent development. President Alberto Fernández, the predecessor of Milei, expressed his enthusiasm for the invitation, seeing it as a chance for Argentina to explore untapped markets, according to The San Diego Union Tribune.
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Argentina's Crisis
However, in a letter addressed to the leaders of the BRICS nations, dated December 22 but released on the last working day of 2023, Milei indicated that the current moment is not opportune for Argentina to join as a full member. This decision comes amid Argentina grappling with a deepening economic crisis, prompting the new administration to reevaluate its international alliances.
Milei's self-professed "anarcho-capitalist" ideology has translated into swift measures aimed at deregulating Argentina's economy, historically marked by extensive state interventionism. Simultaneously, his foreign policy stance emphasizes alignment with the "free nations of the West," specifically the United States and Israel.
Despite distancing from BRICS, Milei, in his letter to BRICS leaders, expressed a willingness to strengthen bilateral ties and increase trade and investment flows. He proposed meetings with each of the five leaders, signaling a nuanced diplomatic approach despite the overt rejection of BRICS membership.
As Argentina navigates this strategic pivot under its new leadership, the global community watches closely to discern the implications of Milei's policies on the nation's economic and diplomatic future, Voice of America reported.
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