The United States is recalibrating its approach to Colombia under the country’s new leadership, according to diplomatic sources, while Britain is positioning itself to expand its commercial footprint in the region. The twin developments signal a shifting geopolitical landscape in Latin America, long a theatre for great-power competition.
President Donald Trump’s outreach to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, inaugurated in August 2024, represents a departure from the often fractious relationship between the two leaders. Mr Trump had previously criticised Mr Petro’s left-wing policies, including his suspension of oil exploration and his embrace of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. However, with Colombia facing economic headwinds and security challenges from illegal armed groups, Washington sees an opportunity to reassert influence.
The White House has indicated a willingness to deepen counter-narcotics cooperation and explore trade agreements that benefit US energy companies. State Department officials have described the shift as “pragmatic,” noting that Colombia remains a key non-NATO ally. Analysts caution, however, that Mr Petro’s domestic support is fragile and that any rapprochement will require careful management of human rights concerns.
Separately, the United Kingdom is intensifying its focus on Latin America as part of its post-Brexit trade strategy. British officials have held preliminary talks with Colombia, Chile, and Peru about lowering tariffs on services and digital trade. The Department for Business and Trade views the region as a growth market for UK exports in financial services, education, and renewable energy.
Ambassador Sir John Kirkpatrick, speaking from Bogotá, described the initiative as “a long-term investment in mutual prosperity.” The UK also hopes to leverage its soft power through the British Council and development programmes. However, competition from China and the European Union remains intense. Beijing has become the largest trading partner for several South American nations, offering infrastructure financing under its Belt and Road Initiative.
Both the US and UK moves underscore a broader recognition of Latin America’s strategic importance. The region holds critical reserves of lithium, copper, and other minerals essential for green technology. It is also a source of instability as illegal mining and drug trafficking surge.
For Colombia, the new administration’s openness to foreign engagement presents both opportunity and risk. Mr Petro’s pledge to transition away from fossil fuels has alarmed investors, but his government has signalled a more moderate stance on security cooperation. The coming months will test whether Washington and London can secure concrete gains amid competing priorities and domestic constraints.
