The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is touring Latin America with the official objective of strengthening relations with key leaders in the region. However, behind this visit is a darker objective: to reconquer Latin America. Europe has been losing influence in the world and specifically in Latin America, where the region does not support international sanctions against Russia and leaders like Lula da Silva have been critical of the West. The West is losing the global battle and seeks to maintain an unsustainable hegemony.
In response, the United States has intensified its military presence in the region and sought to overthrow progressive governments. Europe, for its part, is attempting to regain its lost hegemony in Latin America vis-à-vis China and Russia through bilateral agreements and high-level visits. However, Latin America has increased its dependence on China and Russia, while discontent towards Europe and the West continues to grow.
Now is the time for Latin America to decide whether it wants to remain subordinate to the West or seek full independence. This implies ceasing to be the most unequal and violent region in the world. However, Latin American elites, the media, and threats from the United States represent obstacles to this independence.
In short, Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Latin America seeks to reconquer the region on behalf of Europe. However, Latin America has the historic opportunity to achieve full sovereignty and become a relevant geopolitical actor. The decision will not be easy, but it is crucial to stop being considered a region to be conquered and to achieve a voice of its own on the world stage.