Argentina’s South: A New American Protectorate Underway

In the remote and rugged landscapes of Patagonia, a new chapter unfolds as Argentina finds itself at the center of international military interest. The recent actions by President Javier Milei have paved the way for an unprecedented military presence from the United States in the region—a move that has significant implications for Argentine sovereignty and regional dynamics.

The promise of $20 billion “aid” from former U.S. President Donald Trump to Argentina’s current leader, Javier Milei, is not just financial assistance but a strategic agreement that bypasses legislative approval. This arrangement facilitates the establishment of military bases in Patagonia without congressional oversight—a move that raises questions about national autonomy and governance.

Historically, Patagonia has been a region rich with natural resources, drawing attention from global powers interested in its untapped potential. The promise of financial aid is intricately linked to concessions made by Argentina in return—concessions that include allowing U.S. military installations and the presence of Israeli settlers in the southern territories.

This unfolding scenario does not stand alone but follows a trajectory set during previous administrations, particularly under Mauricio Macri’s government (2015-2019). During his tenure, agreements were made to permit U.S. troops and even establish a base near Neuquén province—famed for its Vaca Muerta shale oil fields. Such moves were further cemented by an agreement in 2017 allowing special forces from the National Guard of Georgia into Argentina under certain conditions.

Adding layers to this complex narrative is the installation of a British radar system in Tolhuin, linked with U.K. naval operations in the contentious Falkland Islands—territory claimed by Argentina but controlled by Britain since 1833. This development underscores a broader strategy of military and geopolitical maneuvering that includes not only direct bases but also intelligence facilities aimed at monitoring regional activities.

The narrative extends beyond terrestrial installations to aerial dominance, with agreements involving the U.S. Southern Command (Comando Sul) providing aircraft such as the Hercules C-130 to maintain an air bridge over Antarctic territories—a move underscoring strategic interests in one of the planet’s most remote areas.

As these events unfold, the political alignment between Argentina and global powers like the United States appears more pronounced than ever. High-ranking officials from the U.S. Southern Command have frequented Argentine soil, reinforcing military partnerships and aligning with international policies targeting terrorism—a stance publicly supported by figures like Patricia Bullrich, Argentina’s Minister of Security.

Yet, amid these developments, there lies a profound concern about the impact on local populations and sovereignty. The presence of foreign military installations and the strategic interests they serve often overshadow the needs and rights of indigenous communities and the environmental sanctity of Patagonia—a region long celebrated for its natural beauty and ecological importance.

As Argentina navigates this new era under President Milei’s leadership, questions linger about the true cost of international alliances. Will these agreements bring prosperity or pose a threat to national sovereignty? The unfolding story in Patagonia offers a stark reflection on modern geopolitics—where strategic interests often dictate the terms of engagement and where nations find themselves balancing between cooperation and control.

Original Article Source: Controle - Diálogos do Sul