The transformation of Argentine-U.S. relations at the turn of the decade

Introduction. The paper examines Argentina-U.S. relations during the administrations of Mauricio Macri and Alberto Fernandez, as well as the transformation of the bilateral ties character at the turn of the decade. The author analyzes the changes paying attention to the challenges that the economic crisis posed to the Argentine leaders, and taking into account the motives of both countries. The study identified the risks for the successful interaction between Washington and Buenos Aires, as well as the leverage of the potential influence of the White House on the Argentine authorities. Methods. The study is based on extensive factual data from the period of the latest two Argentine administrations (2015-2021), the new sources, including documents of the U.S. Department of State. An integrated systematic approach allowed to consider the interaction of Buenos Aires and Washington in the dynamics of Argentine domestic political and economic processes, taking into account global and regional factors. When analyzing changes in the character of bilateral ties, a comparative approach was applied. Analysis. The relations between Washington and the government of Mauricio Macri in 2017-2019 were allied. The main areas of interaction were trade and investment, security and political cooperation. To support his ally and the continuity of government in Argentina, D. Trump facilitated the IMF’s approval of the largest standby to Argentina for the period of Macri’s administration. The problem of payment became a burden for the electedFernandez. Results. The willingness of the White House to help resolve the debt issue and the American investments needed by Argentina deterred A. Fernandez from developing an autonomist foreign policy pushing him to choose a more balanced course. Both topics constitute the points of potential pressure from Washington on the Argentine leader. Bilateral relations became more restrained, but showing no signs of confrontation. Risks for Argentine-American cooperation are posed by the deepening partnership of the South American country with China and by the position of the Argentine authorities on resolving the Venezuelan crisis. Given its desire to be Argentina’s partner of choice, the U.S. is unlikely to firstly use pressure. With the beginning of Joseph Biden’s presidency, the climate agenda became a new area of cooperation.