Spain has more leverage than other European countries in resisting US pressure not because others are bending the knee and Spain isn't, but because Spain has reduced dependency on the United States through: (1) low trade dependence on the US, (2) advanced energy transition reducing fossil fuel dependence, (3) resulting lower energy prices during crises, and (4) not being on the front line with Russia, giving the US more need for Spanish bases than vice versa.
causalpending
Speaker
Natalie TocciEvidence Quote
“Spain has indeed more leverage than other European countries... In terms of trade, it's actually not very dependent on the US at all. In terms of energy, it has gone further than most other countries on the energy transition”
Source
Nathalie Tocci and Matthias Matthijs: Are Europe and the United States Finally Heading For Divorce?— Foreign AffairsCreated: 8/12/2026, 6:08:35 PM
My Notes
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