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Argentina's Milei Channels Trump at the G20 Summit in Rio

Argentine President Javier Milei made waves at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, adopting a combative stance reminiscent of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Milei's approach, marked by climate denial, opposition to progressive taxation, and rejection of gender equality initiatives, stood in stark contrast to the collaborative tone sought by other world leaders. Fresh from a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Milei’s defiance of the global consensus made him a polarizing figure at the event.

Defiance on Global Issues

  • Climate Change: Milei, a vocal climate change denier, steered Argentina away from discussions on sustainable development and reportedly ordered his delegation to withdraw from U.N. climate talks. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns that Milei might follow Trump in abandoning the Paris Climate Agreement.
  • Tax Cooperation: During G20 negotiations, Milei's administration initially resisted previously agreed language on tax cooperation, causing delays before ultimately conceding.
  • Gender Equality: He rejected references in the summit's communique that supported gender equality and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cold Diplomacy

Milei's interactions with other leaders reflected his hardline style:

  • His handshake with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the summit host, was notably frosty, bypassing the usual camaraderie among Latin American leaders.
  • By contrast, Milei celebrated his ideological alignment with former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, reposting a video of their warm meeting at his inauguration.

Aligning with Trump

Milei's rhetoric and actions suggest he sees himself as a Latin American counterpart to Trump. On social media, he described his foray into politics as a reluctant act of self-defense, echoing Trump's anti-establishment narrative. Milei also mirrored Trump's disdain for multilateral agreements and progressive policies, signaling a potential shift in Argentina's international posture.

Global Repercussions

Milei's disruptive stance has raised concerns among global leaders:

  • Diplomatic Fallout: European diplomats expressed frustration with Argentina's unpredictability during negotiations.
  • Climate Policy Risks: With the potential for both Trump and Milei to withdraw from international climate agreements, global efforts to combat climate change could face significant setbacks.
  • Regional Politics: Milei's alignment with right-wing figures like Bolsonaro could deepen ideological divides in Latin America.

A New Power Dynamic

As the world braces for Trump's return to the global stage, Milei's actions at the G20 offer a glimpse of a new alliance of right-wing leaders who challenge established norms. His performance in Rio underscored his intent to reshape Argentina's role in international politics, aligning with populist and libertarian ideologies that reject global consensus in favor of nationalist priorities.