Link to article; https://apnews.com/article/argentina-milei-trump-tariffs-trade-maralago-imf-f32bdc39d79632dfa9fdd3a1e05fb0a3
In preparation for Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, begining on April 2nd, many actions by many countries have taken place. China has plotted their own tariffs, Europe has vowed retaliation, and Mexico has been working to blunt the blow. However the most unexpected route has been taken by Argentina, who aims to become friends with the US. For a 24 hour period to receive an award honoring his libertarian agenda, Argentina’s right winged President, Javier Milei, flew from one of the Southern-most countries to Palm Beach. How recieving his award was not the only motive, in fact he was more concerned with having a chance to talk to US President Donald Trump. He even shouted “Make Argentina Great Again,” (a phrase Trump had created, showing his support of Trump) from the ballroom stage. In November Argentina had imposed sweeping tariffs and has now claimed he is one of Trump’s strongest allies, demonstrating support in numerous ways.
This instance could be an example of the band wagon effect. Argentina, a state smaller in power, could be attempting to latch on the the US, a state larger in power, in order to avoid some of the detrimental effects coming with these soon to be tariffs. Also supporting the political leanings of a hegemon is always a good move for self preservation. It almost forces the US’s hand a bit, because they can’t harm a state that supports the same values as them. That would not bode well with popular support. So as Argentina works to further publicize their American support, they are simultaneously working to secure their spot on the “US’s wagon”. Therefore, whilst these things the argentinian people could support, the reason that Argentina is working to align itself with the US is more in a national interest motivation with a concern for security, both militarily and economically.