Summary

A very negative term of office for Spain and for its foreign policy is about to end. The Government has irresponsibly jeopardised basic agreements that have served as foundations for the 30 best years of our recent History and which have consequently disrupted the direction of Spain’s Foreign Policy. There is a reason behind this: Zapatero does not have a clear understanding of the concept of Spain. When he asserted in the Senate that “the Nation is a concept that is disputed and disputable” he unveiled his undeniable shortfall. If he does not have a clear idea of the Nation he serves, it is impossible to develop a consistent Foreign Policy. The core of any Foreign Policy is the protection of national interests. When one does not believe in the concept of Nation, it is impossible to define its interests and hence to protect them. Foreign relations must be no more than an instrument at the service of Foreign Policy. The duo formed by Zapatero and Moratinos has replaced the protection of Spain’s interests by a diplomacy of smiles.