Bogotá/Washington: Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused the United States of being predisposed to pursue military conflicts as long as its economy remains heavily dependent on oil and coal, saying that if the US had not withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, many global conflicts could have been avoided.
In an interview with the BBC, Petro argued that the US energy structure — in which oil and coal account for around 70% of the energy matrix — creates incentives for foreign engagements linked to securing energy resources. “As long as the US economy is based on oil and coal … it will tend to seek wars for both resources,” he said.
Petro also contended that the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a global treaty aimed at combating climate change by reducing fossil fuel dependency, contributed to a less cooperative and more conflict-prone international posture. He suggested that staying in the pact could have fostered a “more democratic and peaceful relationship with the world”, particularly within South America.
Context: Rising Diplomatic Tensions and Dialogue With Washington
Petro’s remarks come amid a period of strained relations with US President Donald Trump, marked by sharp exchanges on social media and concerns about potential US military pressure on Colombia. Trump had made comments in late 2025 hinting at possible military action in Latin America, including against Petro’s government, as part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking.
After months of tension, the two leaders spoke by phone this week in an effort to cool the dispute. Both sides said the conversation was constructive, with Trump announcing plans to meet Petro at the White House in early February. The leaders discussed cooperation on issues including drug trafficking and disagreements over regional policy.
Despite the diplomatic détente, Petro has maintained his criticism of US foreign policy, framing it as overly driven by energy interests and military might rather than diplomatic engagement. He emphasized Colombia’s preference for dialogue and cooperation over confrontation, even while warning that continued aggressive rhetoric could deepen rifts between the two nations.
The broader backdrop includes a controversial US military operation in Venezuela that saw the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, a move that Petro condemned and linked to Washington’s energy and geopolitical motivations in the region.