From Ideology to Pragmatism: Domestic Challenges Shaping Foreign Policy in Latin America's New Left

ABSTRACT The resurgence of left‐wing governments in Latin America since 2018 has prompted comparisons to the early 2000s Pink Tide movement. However, this study argues that the current left‐wing administrations diverge significantly in their foreign policy approaches from the original Pink Tide. Utilizing a mixed‐methods framework that combines foreign policy analysis with latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling of presidential speeches, the research examines how domestic factors influence foreign policy decisions. The findings reveal that economic difficulties, escalating crime rates, political polarization, and fluctuating public approval are primary drivers compelling these governments toward more pragmatic and nationally focused foreign policies. This shift underscores a prioritization of domestic imperatives over regional ideological alignment, signaling a transformation from the Pink Tide's collective aspirations to individualized national strategies.