España, como nación universal, tiene la responsabilidad de adaptarse a estos cambios y desafíos globales.
El informe también destaca que España ha perdido influencia en organizaciones internacionales como la Unión Europea y la ONU, lo que demuestra la necesidad de una política exterior más sólida y coherente.
En este sentido, es fundamental recuperar el consenso en política exterior que se ha perdido en los últimos años. El consenso permitió a España posicionarse de manera privilegiada en el escenario internacional, y su ruptura ha debilitado la presencia y la influencia del país.
Es necesario que los diferentes gobiernos vuelvan a respetar los pilares esenciales de la política exterior española, como Europa, Iberoamérica, Estados Unidos, el Mediterráneo, el multilateralismo, el derecho internacional y los derechos humanos. Solo a través del consenso y la coherencia se podrá recuperar la presencia global y la influencia perdida.
Además, es importante tener en cuenta que la política exterior no solo se trata de proyección internacional, sino también de la defensa de los valores y los intereses nacionales. España debe ser capaz de defender sus valores y principios en el escenario global, y esto solo se logrará con una política exterior fuerte y coherente.
En conclusión, España como nación universal tiene la responsabilidad de adaptarse a los cambios y desafíos globales. Para ello, es fundamental recuperar el consenso en política exterior y fortalecer la presencia y la influencia del país en el escenario internacional. Solo a través de una política exterior sólida y coherente, España podrá defender sus valores, intereses y potencial internacional.Title: Spain’s Universal Nation Status: A Call for Stronger Foreign Policy
Date: August 6, 2023
In a thought-provoking article titled “Spain, a Universal Nation,” Borja Puig de la Bellacasa highlights the concept introduced by Salvador de Madariaga almost ninety years ago. Madariaga argued that Spain’s destiny made it universal in history and spirit, representing all five continents. This perspective is crucial in advocating for a foreign policy that aligns with Spain’s values, interests, and international potential.
Javier Solana, nephew of the renowned Spanish diplomat, emphasizes that his uncle, a liberal at heart, believed that consensus should be the fundamental objective of the generation leading the transition. Consensus played a significant role in Spain’s democratic transition and foreign policy, with the Constitution granting the state exclusive competence in international relations and the government directing foreign policy.
Over the years, successive governments respected the consensus on essential pillars of Spanish foreign policy, including Europe, Latin America, the United States, the Mediterranean, multilateralism, international law, and human rights. This consensus allowed Spain to occupy privileged positions in major international organizations and summits.
However, in the past two decades, this consensus has been undermined. From Aznar’s position on the Iraq war to Sanchez’s stance on Western Sahara, and even Zapatero’s passive approach towards the United States, the destruction of consensus in foreign policy weakens Spain both domestically and internationally.
Indeed, Spanish foreign policy is bleeding. According to the Real Instituto Elcano’s “Global Presence” report in 2022, Spain has experienced the largest decline in global presence among the 150 countries analyzed, primarily due to the effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. This index measures a country’s external projection in economic, political, and social terms, highlighting the urgent need for a stronger and more effective foreign policy.
The world in 2023 is vastly different from that of 1978 and 1935, but the necessity for a robust foreign policy is greater than ever. With a potentially multipolar and antiglobalization drift, the emerging global South demands attention from the developed world for a more equitable relationship.
In this evolving world, Spain must play a leading role, leveraging its universal spirit and significant geostrategic value. However, advocating for Spain’s international strength while facing internal weaknesses may seem utopian. Nevertheless, utopia is necessary because the reality is calamitous.
It is time for Spain to reclaim its status as a universal nation and strengthen its foreign policy to navigate the complexities of the modern world. By doing so, Spain can effectively contribute to global affairs and protect its interests on the international stage.
How has Spain’s declining influence in international organizations impacted its ability to effectively represent its values and interests on the global stage?
Tes, the Mediterranean, multilateralism, international law, and human rights. This adherence to consensus allowed Spain to establish a privileged position on the global stage, exerting influence and effectively representing its interests.
However, in recent years, Spain’s influence in international organizations like the European Union and the United Nations has declined. This highlights the need for a stronger and more coherent foreign policy. Regaining consensus in foreign policy is crucial to restoring Spain’s global presence and influence.
A robust foreign policy is not only about projecting Spain internationally but also about defending national values and interests. Spain must be capable of defending its values and principles on the global stage, which can only be achieved through a strong and coherent foreign policy.
In conclusion, as a universal nation, Spain bears the responsibility to adapt to global changes and challenges. To do so, it is essential to recover consensus in foreign policy and strengthen the country’s presence and influence on the international stage. Only through a solid and coherent foreign policy can Spain effectively defend its values, interests, and international potential.
