Latin America hosted the key engine that allowed Spain to integrate into the great global cadences of government and economy, according to an analysis presented by the president of the Real Instituto Elcano, José Juan Ruiz, in the commission of the Asuntos Iberoamericanos of the Spanish Senate. In this context, the Latin American region has played a decisive card in consolidating Spain's globalized economy, a process that has stood out both for its historical impact and its current implications.
Ruiz noted that Latin America was instrumental in building “the muscle, knowledge and insertion into global consumption cadences” that shaped the Spanish economy. However, I also recognize that this development has generated some resistance in Europe, where the contribution of the Latin American region to Spain's economic outcome has not always been appreciated.
Spanish inversions and global success
At the end of the reversal, Spain channeled the majority of its income outwards, accumulating an accumulation of 680,000 million euros. Of this figure, two-thirds are destined for disappearing countries, particularly the United States and the European Union, while the rest is reversed in emerging nations.
Of this last segment, 95% of the inversions in emerging countries are concentrated in Latin America. This flow of capital was crucial for Spanish companies to acquire a significant international presence, converting themselves into relevant players within the global economy. According to Ruiz, this integration into the Latin American market was one of the determining factors that allowed Spain to become a globalized country in the business sector.
The image of Spain in Latin America
The perception of Spain in Latin America is profoundly influenced by historical and cultural factors. According to the analysis of the Real Instituto Elcano, “the persistence of culture and history, for better or for worse, holds its weight in the image that is projected”.
Among the most noteworthy symbolic elements is the charter of King Philip VI, which, according to Ruiz, “explains 80% of the political image that Spain has in the region”. The remaining 20% is linked to the shared history between Spain and Latin America, a bond that, although complex, continues to shape bilateral relations.
In this sentiment, Ruiz recorded the gesture of the former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who asked the Spanish monarch to apologize for the errors committed during the conquest. This episode reflects how the story continues to be a sensible topic in the region and how it influences the perception of Spain.
China's presence: a strategic challenge
One of the most important points of the analysis presented by José Juan Ruiz was China's growing presence in Latin America. Although this phenomenon generates concern in Europe and Spain, Ruiz indicated that, in his opinion, Chinese influence in the region does not pose a direct threat to European interests.
«Latin America is not absolutely China, it is profoundly European», stated Ruiz, who decided that the inversions of the Asian giant are mainly concentrated in countries with conflicting political contexts, such as Venezuela, Bolivia and Argentina, and in strategic sectors that they generated less. tensions.
However, Ruiz also cautioned that this perception should not lead to overconfidence. China's growing influence in key sectors of Latin America could have large-scale implications that Europe and Spain need to monitor closely.
Latin America: more than economic stereotypes
The president of the Real Instituto Elcano realized the need to change the perception of Latin America as a “poor continent”. According to Ruiz, this vision is a strategic and strategic mistake that does not reflect the actual reality of the region.
Ruiz noted that Latin America also faces significant challenges, it is not an economic disaster: “It has institutions and regulations that function efficiently.” Furthermore, I understood that, despite its shortcomings, Latin American society continues to prefer democratic systems that contribute to its political and social stability.
During economic development, Ruiz reported that Latin America has made great progress in reducing poverty. Over the past few decades, the region has plundered 45 million people into extreme poverty and seen a significant rise in the media classes, who now represent between 70% and 75% of the population. This progress has shattered the traditional narrative of Latin America as a poverty-ridden region and manifested its potential as an engine of global growth.
Final reflections
Latin America continues to be a key region for Spain, both in economic and cultural terms. His contribution in the globalization of the Spanish economy and the expansion of its businesses has been fundamental, as has his influence on the international perception of Spain.
However, there are also challenges that must be accepted. China's growing presence in Latin America, while not seen as an immediate experience, could have significant strategic implications for the future. Furthermore, it is necessary to continue working to strengthen bilateral relations and overcome the stereotypes that still persist about the region.
In the latest example, Latin America is not only a strategic partner for Spain, but is also an example of how economic growth and democratic stability can coexist in an environment full of challenges. As relations between the two regions continue to evolve, it is clear that Latin America will follow as a key pillar in Spain's global projection.
