Argentina asks to join NATO as Milei looks to enhance security, strengthen ties

Argentina’s controversial populist President Javier Milei wants his country to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The move is an effort to enhance political and security cooperation. Milei’s government is looking to tighten relations with Western powers and attract investment in Argentina.

Argentina’s request came during talks on Thursday, April 18, in Brussels between NATO’s deputy secretary and the Argentine defense minister. The deputy defense secretary welcomed Argentina’s bid to become a global partner. He said that the cooperation could be mutually beneficial.

NATO only has 32 member countries but has relations with more than 40 non-member global partners. The partnership network enhances security outside of NATO territory. However, those 40 countries do not benefit from NATO’s core principle: “The commitment to collective defense.” Neither NATO nor Argentina would be obligated to militarily defend each other.

All 32 NATO members would still need to approve Argentina’s partnership. One holdup could be Argentina’s contentious relationship with Britain. Argentina’s strained relationship with key NATO ally Britain started during the Falklands War in 1982. Britain currently maintains control over the island.

The issue of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands poses a challenge for Milei. He is working to strike a balance between diplomacy and territorial claims as he seeks to boost trade with Britain.

If Argentina were to be accepted as a partner nation, it could use advanced technology, security systems and training offered by NATO.

In additions to joining NATO as a partner, Milei has adjusted his foreign policy to one of “almost unconditional support” for the United States. Milei is currently fighting to bring Argentina back to economic prominence and fix its national debt and overspending.