From Foreign Affairs · Pedro Sánchez · · 1m 50s
Spain's Plan to Prevent World War
Spain's actions to stop war escalation through multilateralism and peacebuilding.
In brief
Spain's actions to stop war escalation through multilateralism and peacebuilding. Spain is pushing for maxilateralism to prevent war by strengthening international institutions and promoting peace. Originally reported by Foreign Affairs.
The Normalization of War
The world has accepted war as inevitable with rising conflicts from Ukraine to Lebanon and Iran.
“At the site of a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, October 2.2026”
Historical Context of Peace Efforts
The Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928 and UN Charter established norms to prohibit war but have weakened.
“In 1945, representatives of 50 countries gathered in San Francisco to create the United Nations”
Current War Trends
65 active government conflicts in 2025, double the 2010 number, with 250,000 annual deaths.
“According to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, there were 65 active conflicts involving governments in 2025”
Nuclear Arms Expansion
China's nuclear arsenal increased from 200 to 620 warheads, North Korea from 10 to 60.
“China's nuclear arsenal is estimated to have increased from 200 to 300 warheads in the late 2010s to 620 this year”
AI Weapons Threat
AI is automating cyberattacks and deepfakes, increasing risks of nuclear miscalculation.
“AI systems have hacked government bodies and enabled the mass production of deepfakes”
Spain's Peace Stance
Three of four Spaniards fear war, and many believe another world war is imminent.
“Three of four Spaniards identify war as their greatest fear”
Spain's Actions Against War
Spain called for Gaza ceasefire, recognized Palestine, and supported ICC accountability.
“Spain has actively supported the efforts of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court”
Sanctions and Diplomacy
Spain supported EU sanctions on Russia and denied US use of its territory for Iran war.
“Spain has denied the United States the use of its territory and facilities for the war against Iran”
Defense Spending Shift
Spain opted out of NATO's 5% GDP defense target to fund social programs.
“Spain’s decision last year to opt out of NATO’s proposed defense spending target of five percent of GDP”
Multilateral Reform
Reforming UN Security Council to include more countries and limit veto power.
“A Security Council that gives permanent seats and a right to veto only to the five victors of World War II”
Nuclear Disarmament Efforts
Calls for New START treaty successor and Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty.
“Some of that work depends on the nuclear powers; it is up to the United States and Russia to negotiate a successor to the bilateral New START treaty”
AI Regulation
Need for international rules to prevent AI from escalating nuclear conflicts.
“All countries must also work together to regulate the use of AI in the military domain”
International Justice
Ensuring ICC can prosecute war crimes and hold leaders accountable.
“States that shelter individuals indicted by the ICC should face legal, diplomatic, and financial consequences”
Global Development Focus
Spain prioritizes debt relief and climate finance to prevent conflict.
“Spain has promoted initiatives such as the Global Hub on Debt for Development Swaps”
The Path Forward
Global cooperation is needed to make war unimaginable through peacebuilding.
“The question before our generation is whether we will preserve the rule of law or allow a return to rule by force”
What matters most
Spain is pushing for maxilateralism to prevent war by strengthening international institutions and promoting peace.
