What would happen if the U.S. abandoned Ukraine? Former President Donald Trump has suggested he would do so if he returns to the White House next year and predicted he would end the war quickly, most likely by pressuring Kyiv to negotiate. But even if the intent is to bring peace, the practical effect would be to prolong the war.
A standoff between Ecuador and Russia over a proposed arms transfer to Ukraine last month foreshadows how global competition among great powers may play out in Latin America moving forward. If the region doesn’t learn from the episode, it will find itself vulnerable to much larger forms of economic coercion over the coming decade.
Though often seen as a region with marginal geopolitical leverage, Latin America is increasingly being targeted by Moscow’s influence campaigns. Those efforts are finding receptive audiences, due to a variety of factors. And countering Russian propaganda will not be easy, as doing so effectively requires a nuanced approach.