Vaccine Diplomacy: A Tool in the Rivalry for Influence in Latin America
Vaccine Diplomacy: A Tool in the Rivalry for Influence in Latin America

Author(s): Bartłomiej Znojek
Subject(s): Politics, Regional Geography, International relations/trade, Welfare systems, Health and medicine and law
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Latin America; Vaccines; COVID-19; diplomacy; vaccine;
Summary/Abstract: The uneven access to COVID-19 vaccines in Latin American countries has resulted in a widely varied pace of immunisation. The region has relied mainly on direct purchases from China and Russia, among others, the global COVAX initiative, and donations from the U.S. and other countries. Russia, China, and the U.S. in particular are using this “vaccine diplomacy” to boost their own political and economic influence in Latin America. The EU has been trying to position itself against that rivalry, for example, through significant funding for vaccine access and distribution initiatives. These efforts require, however, more efficient promotion of the Union’s engagement.

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