Introduction

ALBA (The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America) is an intergovernmental organization aimed at politically and economically integrating Latin America and the Caribbean Islands. Founded on a socialist framework, it opposes Western capitalist systems, particularly the United States. Initially proposed by Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Cuba, the alliance started in 2004 with just two members, focusing on the exchange of medical, educational, and petroleum resources. Over time, it grew to include ten countries, and its goal has expanded to combat Western imperialism, which traces back to the Monroe Doctrine. Although the global consensus after the Cold War favored democracy and capitalism, ALBA has resurfaced, especially in the wake of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the continued desire for a multipolar world. Despite its small size, ALBA remains a notable political force in the Western Hemisphere with potential implications for U.S. influence in the region.

Key Stakeholders: ALBA Member States, United States, China, Russia, BRICS+, Javier Milei, Socialist Movements in Latin America.

Current Situation:

• ALBA’s Resurgence: ALBA has reemerged as a coalition opposing Western imperialism, with support from Russia and China, aiming to create a multipolar world order.
• US Efforts: The US is implementing a “New Monroe Doctrine” to counter Chinese and Russian influence in Latin America, especially in resource-rich countries like Argentina.
• Geopolitical Alignments: Latin American countries are increasingly switching diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China and Russia, indicating a shift away from Washington’s influence.
• Argentina’s Leadership Shift: Javier Milei’s victory aligns Argentina with US interests, contrasting with BRICS expansion and anti-US organizations like ALBA.
• Lithium Reserves and Strategic Interests: Argentina’s lithium resources remain a focal point, with ALBA and BRICS aiming to integrate them into regional strategies, countering US economic exploitation.
• Iran’s Presence: Iran’s alliances with ALBA members, such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, indicate growing external influence in the region.

Major Geopolitical and Geostrategic Implication:

• Challenge to US Dominance in Latin America: ALBA’s resurgence signifies a regional pushback against the US-led liberal world order. Its alignment with multipolar powers like China and Russia undermines the traditional influence of the US in the Western Hemisphere.
• Resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine: The US’s “New Monroe Doctrine” reflects renewed efforts to curb Chinese and Russian influence in Latin America, showcasing the region’s increasing geostrategic importance in global power dynamics.
• Latin American countries shifting towards China and Russia through trade, investment, and partnerships challenges U.S. dominance in the region and signals a move toward a multipolar world order.
• Economic Independence and Resource Control: ALBA’s focus on creating a resource-wealthy, energy-rich South American bloc underscores the region’s determination to manage its own natural resources, including critical assets like Argentina’s lithium, without external exploitation by the US.
• Geopolitical Merging of BRICS and ALBA: The potential integration of ALBA with BRICS+ could amplify efforts to upend the US dollar’s dominance in international trade and weaken the G7’s global influence.
• Socialist vs. Laissez-Faire Ideological Battle: The election of right-wing leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina signals an ideological counterweight to ALBA’s socialist framework and further aligns regional powers with US economic and security interests.
• Iran’s Increased Regional Presence: Iran’s longstanding ties with ALBA member states like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua add a geostrategic layer, potentially complicating US efforts to counterbalance adversarial alliances in Latin America.

Conclusion

With Russia, Iran, and China facing challenges, the Axis of Resistance has weakened. Despite growing opposition in Latin America, the West’s influence remains strong. ALBA, still in early stages, faces major obstacles and needs international support to succeed.