Elcano 2025: Globalization strengthens, Spain defies fragmentation with strong growth

 

The latest Index Elcano Global Presence 2025 reveals a panorama of globalization in full transformation: tougher, fragmented, and less homogeneous. In this challenging scenario, Spain consolidates itself as a leader in growth of global presence within the European Union, achieving a notable rise that positions it as the 13th most influential nation worldwide.

Globalization is getting tougher

 

The report, prepared by the Elcano Royal Institute, highlights that globalization has not disappeared, but has mutated. The traditional struggle between United States and China is now accompanied by a European Union struggling to capitalize on its weight in effective power. The military dimension and industrial policies are once again taking center stage, marking a turning point in the globalization process, driven in part by the clear intention of United States to reconfigure the world order. The rise of Asia consolidates, while other regions redefine their strategy.

 

The report's findings reflect a turning point in the process of globalization, following the US's manifest desire to transform the existing world order.

 

Spain, remarkable growth

 

In this context of change, Spain emerges as one of the big winners. In 2024, the country recorded the second-largest growth in global presence in percentage points among the top 13 countries, surpassed only by the United States. This boost positions it as the EU nation with the greatest gains in global presence in the last year, strengthening its thirteenth position in the overall ranking.

Keys to the new world order

 

Manuel GraciaThe principal investigator and coordinator of the Elcano Global Presence Index project, emphasizes that the resurgence of nationalism and unilateralism has led to external dependence being perceived as a vulnerability. "Trade protectionism is once again becoming a tool of foreign policy"This is accompanied by national industrial policies and autonomy strategies," Gracia explains. Furthermore, the conflict in Europe has remilitarized international relations, diminishing the appeal of the more "soft" elements of foreign policy.

 

The report details that variations in the presence of countries are mainly explained by the economic dimension. While the UE reduces its presence in this sphere, slowly recovering its soft projection. United States, although its growth is slowing due to the slower growth in goods exports, it continues to increase its exports of services and foreign investment. For its part, China loses presence due to the decline in its manufacturing and services exports, although it maintains its rise in the military and soft dimensions.

 

This analysis by the Elcano Royal Institute, which covers the evolution of globalization since 1990 with data from 150 countries, offers a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities facing nations in an increasingly interconnected, yet increasingly tense, world.