Retired career ambassador Jorge Castaneda disseminated this suggestion in a lengthy article analyzing what he considers to be the potential advantages and disadvantages of the controversial partnership recently announced by US President Donald Trump.
Following this assessment, he concludes that “the decision must be preceded by a fundamental national debate that defines the type of international actor Peru aspires to be.” “This debate must coldly assess the material advantages of each option against the principles of autonomy and diversification of alliances that have historically guided” Peruvian foreign policy, he adds in the text published on the website of the firm Efectividat Consultores.
He further warns that “Only with a clear, long-term state strategy will it be possible to determine whether Major Ally status is a useful instrument for national objectives or, on the contrary, a superfluous or even counterproductive commitment.”
Castaneda believes that, in any case, it must be established that Peruvian foreign policy, and not the other party, should define the use and limits of any diplomatic or security tool.
He also points out that the impact of designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally depends crucially on the strength, cohesion, and strategic clarity of the recipient country.
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