This proposal corresponds to the introduction of the forthcoming book “EU-LAC Relations in the Complex Global Context” and analyzes the crisis of the international order established after the Second World War and the transformations affecting relations between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Among the key factors driving this change are the rise of China and other emerging powers, the resurgence of authoritarianism, democratic backsliding, geopolitical tensions, and the impact of the technological revolution. In addition, there has been a weakening of the traditional transatlantic relationship between the United States and the EU, especially following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025.
Within this context, the EU and CELAC continue to play their role as forums for bi-regional and multilateral political dialogue, although with limitations when it comes to coordinating joint responses to US policies. At the same time, the EU has strengthened its ties with Latin America through the “Global Gateway” initiative, the signing of trade and strategic agreements — such as the EU-Mercosur Agreement — and the modernization of agreements with Mexico, thereby consolidating its commitment to multilateralism.
Furthermore, the authors agree that global tensions, the deterioration of the international order, and US policies have fostered closer ties between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean. Finally, the authors carry out their analysis based on the concepts of interregionalism, epistemic communities, and normative power within the context of a global systemic crisis. In this sense, the authors argue that both regions share values and interests that can strengthen a strategic alliance oriented toward cooperation, the defense of international law, democracy, and multilateral governance.
