Spain as a Protecting Power (Late XIXth Century-Early XXIst Century)

The role played by Spain in the relations of states on the verge of a diplomatic crisis has been just as essential as the role of Switzerland. Spain, a protecting power for a very transient period at the end of the XIXth century, was soon to develop the backing of belligerent parties during the First World War. Competing with other neutral countries, & in the mistaken hope that it could host the Peace conference, the reward Spain received for such a stance took only the form of polite thanks from the victors. During the Second World War, Spain gained a foremost position as a protecting power for the exclusive benefit of the assailants. Decolonization also paved the way for a few protecting mandates. Since 1975, the diplomatic protecting power of Spain seems to have settled in places where the country used to have been much present throughout history, like Latin America, North Africa or the Middle East. Without any presence, there cannot be any protection. Adapted from the source document.