The influence of nations is not always determined by size or population, but by their ability to take decisions that resonate internationally. Paraguay, a small state in South America with about seven million inhabitants, has unexpectedly found itself entangled in Middle East politics. Over the past decade, it has oscillated between recognising Palestine in 2011, moving its embassy to Jerusalem, later reversing the decision, and then reinstating it in 2024.

This inconsistency stems from shifting governments, partisan struggles, pressure from the United States and Israel, and economic concerns related to energy and trade. Meanwhile, Paraguay’s Palestinian community, though limited in numbers and resources, continues to advocate for positions more aligned with international law and Palestinian rights.

Paraguay has a history shaped by major conflicts, most notably the War of the Triple Alliance in the 19th century, which left deep scars on its national memory. Today, it faces a different challenge: building diplomatic weight beyond its size while avoiding costly misalignment. Its 2011 recognition of Palestine on the 1967 borders was a bold step, part of a broader Latin American wave, yet it never developed into consistent policy. The 2018 embassy move to Jerusalem, followed by reversal, and then re-establishment in 2024, underscored this oscillation.

The fluctuation peaked on 12 September 2025, when Paraguay voted against a UN General Assembly resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on........

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