The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in the Milei-Trump Era: The Role of Vice Presidents.
Federico M Fernandez
Global Partnerships and Diplomacy. Advancing International Cooperation. Strengthening Parliamentary Partnerships Globally. Driving Meaningful Connections Between Parliaments.
Federico M. Fernández, Specialist in Public Management for Development, Parliamentary Diplomacy, and Cooperation. Lawyer (UNC), with postgraduate and master’s programs in Project Management and Compliance Officer from renowned institutions, including UCEMA and the University of Pennsylvania.
A New Chapter in Argentina-U.S. Relations
Argentina and the United States are experiencing a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations with Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency and Javier Milei’s leadership in Argentina. In this context, parliamentary diplomacy can play a crucial role in fostering stronger institutional ties between both nations, particularly through the actions of their vice presidents.
Both Victoria Villarruel in Argentina and James David Vance in the United States hold key positions in shaping cooperative strategies that transcend political shifts. While traditional diplomacy remains in the hands of the Executive Branch and its respective foreign ministries, Congress and parliamentary institutions play a fundamental role in fostering consensus and strengthening bilateral relations.
Parliamentary Diplomacy: A Strategic Tool
Parliamentary diplomacy creates spaces for dialogue that complement traditional state diplomacy, facilitating cooperation in areas such as trade, security, defense, and democratic governance. In Argentina, both the Senate and the House of Deputies can leverage mechanisms such as bilateral committees, legislative exchanges, and interparliamentary forums to build relationships that go beyond changing administrations.
The Role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups
Parliamentary friendship groups are essential platforms within Congress for strengthening bilateral relations. These groups bring together legislators from both countries to establish trust, exchange knowledge, and promote cooperation initiatives. Through these channels, direct communication is fostered, facilitating trade negotiations, security collaborations, and the transfer of technology and innovation.
Enhancing Argentina-U.S. parliamentary friendship groups can lead to greater mutual understanding, enabling more fluid and effective discussions on strategic matters. Additionally, these spaces facilitate the exchange of legislative best practices, reinforcing democratic institutions in both countries.
The Role of Vice Presidents
Argentina
In Argentina, the Vice President also serves as President of the Senate, granting a unique position to drive legislative agendas that strengthen ties with key partners like the United States. This dual function allows for effective coordination between the Executive and Legislative branches, reinforcing parliamentary diplomacy.
Victoria Villarruel can leverage her role to advance bilateral initiatives and promote dialogue between legislators from both nations—essential for cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange.
United States
In the United States, the Vice President also presides over the Senate, although their active role in promoting bilateral cooperation depends on their political profile and relationship with the President. While not formally part of foreign policy, the U.S. Vice President can influence legislative decisions impacting international relations.
The Vice President’s tie-breaking vote in the Senate grants significant influence over treaties and laws that shape global cooperation. Depending on the administration’s priorities, this role can be pivotal in facilitating parliamentary engagement between Argentina and the United States.
Common Ground: The Influence of Vice Presidents
Both vice presidents share the ability to shape legislative agendas and promote bilateral cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. Their positions in the Senate allow them to act as intermediaries between the Executive and Legislative branches, facilitating the necessary dialogue and coordination to advance bilateral initiatives.
Their strategic involvement in legislative affairs can strengthen international relations, fostering joint initiatives that benefit both Argentina and the United States in key sectors.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for 2025
The strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy between Argentina and the United States in 2025 presents a unique opportunity to consolidate a mutually beneficial bilateral agenda. Interparliamentary cooperation can serve as a pillar of political, economic, and social stability, fostering joint initiatives in technology development, foreign investment, and regional security.
The rapid advancement of technology and the growing digitalization of the global economy offer a strategic opportunity for Argentina, which is emerging as one of Latin America’s leading technology hubs. With an expanding innovation ecosystem and a highly skilled workforce in data science, artificial intelligence, and software development, Argentina is well-positioned for deeper cooperation with the United States.
Such collaboration would not only accelerate Argentina’s tech sector growth but also enhance knowledge transfer and attract key investments to strengthen digital infrastructure.
The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Technological Cooperation
Parliamentary diplomacy can be instrumental in ensuring cybersecurity standards and promoting digital inclusion. Through legislative exchanges and the consolidation of parliamentary friendship groups, Argentina and the United States can align regulatory frameworks and adopt global best practices, creating a favorable environment for technological innovation and economic growth.
Furthermore, parliamentary dialogue will be essential in governance, data protection, intellectual property, and cybersecurity. In an increasingly interconnected world, sustained collaboration in these areas will not only enhance Argentina’s competitiveness as a technology leader but also ensure that its technological growth aligns with transparency, equity, and sustainable development.
Final Thoughts
As Argentina and the United States navigate the evolving global landscape, parliamentary diplomacy can serve as a bridge—ensuring that cooperation remains robust, dynamic, and forward-looking. By leveraging legislative institutions, fostering interparliamentary dialogue, and strengthening key alliances, both nations have an opportunity to build a partnership that extends beyond political cycles, rooted in shared values and long-term strategic interests.
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