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Latin America has to play an important role in the world of the future

Enrique Iglesias, the former president of Costa Rica, José María Figueres, is often called “the president of Latin America.” And is not for less. Don Enrique, a disciple of the brilliant Raúl Prebisch, was Executive Secretary of ECLAC (1972-1985), President of the IDB (1988-2005) and Ibero-American Secretary General (2005-2014). He was also foreign minister of Uruguay (1985-1988) under the presidency of Julio María Sanguinetti. Currently, in addition to being on the planes, he lives between Madrid and Montevideo, among many other activities, he chairs his own Astur Foundation, which works towards an active old age, and is an advisor to the High Representative of the EU’s Foreign Policy for the peace in Venezuela. This is the fourth in a series of interviews with academics, diplomats and economic leaders who bring us alternative visions about this world in transition impacted by the pandemic and war.

—The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have shaken the world in the last two years. What changes will last in the medium and long term?

—The most important thing is the end of Pax Americana and the beginning of a new era in the world. It is a new stage in which we will have to live and coexist. Many things came together. A pandemic that still maintains its influence; a conflict in Ukraine that was not expected to happen; and the economic impacts that all this generates, such as a worrying inflationary expansion in several countries. We are in a very complex period that requires a great long-term vision from world leaders to find agreements that allow these phenomena to be channeled.

—In that sense, how do you evaluate the current situation of NATO and Europe’s relationship with the US?

—The North Atlantic Alliance has been deepening and expanding beyond the military fields, towards economic, political and social issues. And the current conflict in Europe has cemented the alliance. We will see how that relationship evolves in the coming years, but I hope that it will become an active force that helps find the great balances that the world needs to continue growing and facing issues as complex as the pandemic, climate change and other central issues. for the future of humanity.

—How do these changes affect Latin America?

—The region was also affected by the pandemic and the war, although with some characteristics of its own. It suffered the negative consequences, like the rest of the countries, but it benefited because Latin America is a producer of raw materials, which improves its position in times of difficulties such as the current one. The region has enormous potential in terms of food, metals, energy and a fundamental item for humanity, such as water reserves. Due to all these variables, Latin America has to play an important role in the world, a role that it is not playing. It is silent and needs to be present, not only with its economic potential, but with a greater role in international dialogue. You asked me about the North Atlantic Alliance, but I think the South Atlantic needs to be taken care of as well. Latin America and Africa are part of that South Atlantic, which in some way will also have to position itself in the great international politics.

—Multilateralism is in crisis, does it make sense to defend it in today’s world?

—Without a doubt, there is a big difference between the multilateralism of today and the multilateralism of 75 years ago, when the Second World War ended. There are new powers and new political, economic and social realities. Multilateralism must be redefined in light of this reality. But its principles are still valid if the world wants to live together in peace, in progress and face the common problems that it must face, which are very important. Challenges such as climate change and pandemics should unite us because they can only be tackled collectively, in a civilizational way. For this reason, if multilateralism made sense 75 years ago, today it makes much more sense.

—In recent years, criticism of Mercosur has multiplied. Does it have a future as a trading bloc?

—I have been a strong supporter of Mercosur since its inception and I continue to be so now. And in this moment that the world is going through, I think it is more important than ever. Mercosur must make a very serious analysis of its position in today’s world, this world in confrontation, to ensure an active presence. And the Mercosur countries must act together. It is essential to maintain unity, strength and the ability to act on the international stage.

—And the alliance with the Ibero-American community?

—I am convinced that it has been, and today constitutes, a great potential that we have as a region, not only because of the values ​​and culture in common that unites us, but also because of the economic factor, which allowed a very strong presence of the Iberian Peninsula in Latin America and for some time, also, of Latin America in the Iberian Peninsula. Looking to the future, we should imagine a very active and increasingly important position for Latin America in relations with Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula is a good bridge to reach that conclusion.

—How do you see the current situation in Argentina?

—I was always convinced of the economic and social potential of Argentina. It is something that was seen strongly at the beginning of the last century. But, to take advantage of this potential, the country needs major political agreements that allow it to consolidate its presence in the world and expand its capacity for cooperation. Certain central issues must be identified on which to establish major political agreements so that this potential can be revealed.

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