Analysis: Peru is flexing its muscles but it remains a relative weakling in South America

THE South Americans will tend to side with neighbouring nations rather than with European countries over an issue such as the Falklands, writes Dr Philips O’Brien

But this new act by Peru in cancelling the Royal Navy frigate’s visit costs the country nothing, particularly as Peru is one of the weaker nations in South America.

Above all else, this was about making Peru look powerful and seeking to improve its standing diplomatically. If Brazil and Chile had done this then it would have been a real problem for the UK, as they are countries that matter diplomatically and economically.

However, if Brazil or Chile had decided to do anything like this it’s likely it wouldn’t have been public and the invitation for the ship might not have been made in the first place.

At the same time, while Peru went out of its way to be aggressive, the Falklands will continue to be an issue as South America becomes stronger economically and politically.

During the Falklands War in 1982, Argentina was seen as a chaotic South American country, whereas now it’s much more democratic and economically stronger.

This will also become much more of an issue if oil is found near the Falklands, as Argentina would view it as its oil.

The arguments made in the early 1980s about Argentina being a backward country run by a dictatorship would be much less effective if they were made now.

So while Peru’s intervention won’t be welcomed by the UK, it’s not likely to be the issue that changes the British relationship with South America drastically.

• Dr Phillips O’Brien, director of the Scottish Centre for War Studies at Glasgow University