Milei's diplomatic blitz across Latin America marks a significant shift in regional politics, as far-right leaders increasingly assert their influence on the continent. The Argentinian President's unusual tour of newly elected right-wing leaders has sparked speculation about the true motivations behind his actions – and what this means for the UK.
The tour began in Brazil with the launch of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign, ahead of October's election against the left-wing incumbent, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Milei is then scheduled to attend Keiko Fujimori’s inauguration in Peru on Tuesday, followed by Abelardo de la Espriella’s inauguration in Colombia on 7 August. His itinerary also includes a meeting with President Daniel Noboa in Ecuador.
This surge of far-right leaders has significant implications for trade and security ties between the UK and Latin America. With seven presidential elections held since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, right-wing or far-right candidates have secured victories across the region. This trend has seen a notable increase in the number of far-right presidents in office, creating a new political landscape.
Experts such as Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser argue that Milei is attempting to assert himself as a prominent figure within this burgeoning far-right bloc. However, others believe these leaders are primarily focused on aligning themselves with Trump's agenda, viewing Milei as a "proxy" for the American leader rather than a regional chief.
The US has actively fostered these alliances through initiatives such as the "Shield of the Americas", launched in March 2026. This counter-cartel coalition exclusively comprises far-right leaders aligned with Trump, with left-wing administrations in key drug-producing and trafficking nations like Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia being excluded. Colombia's President-elect De la Espriella has already indicated his country's intention to join the initiative.
Ariel Goldstein believes Milei maintains an advantage in securing Trump’s attention, having cultivated a close relationship with the US over the past two to three years. This was underscored when Milei travelled to Palm Beach to become the first foreign leader to meet Trump following his re-election in 2025.