Argentina–Qatar: From unlikely partners to a developing partnership (2011–23)

The question that guides this research is: How has the link between Argentina and Qatar evolved and what factors explained this evolution in the period between 2011 and 2023? As regards the methodological design, the work rests on a qualitative design, based on the collection and analysis of data from both primary and secondary sources. Among the former, unstructured interviews with key informants stand out. That said, the investigation shows that the Administrations that have succeeded one another in power in Buenos Aires between 2011 and 2023 have driven political–diplomatic relations with Doha, particularly as a result of the Argentine interest in strengthening economic–commercial ties with Qatar. Ultimately, the search to diversify business partners, to receive investments and to increase the volume of trade explains the deepening of these ties. Especially considering that Qatar is perceived as a potential partner based on its own need to ensure food security, something that Argentina may benefit from. In terms of the prospects of the bilateral relationship, it is clear that Javier Milei’s government is interested in continuing to cultivate its ties with Qatar. In fact, there is still insistence on the need to deepen economic and financial ties. However, the impact that the conflict in the Middle East will have on the bilateral relationship remains to be seen, even more considering Argentina’s alignment with the State of Israel and President Milei’s discourse, which has associated Islam with terrorism.