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Why did most Latin American governments support Argentina during the Falkland Islands War?

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Map showing the Falkland Islands War of 1982, with the left inset displaying southern South America, highlighting Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Argentine air force and naval bases, and the British 200-mile war zone. The main map details West and East Falkland, marking Argentine troop concentrations, areas of conflict, and the path of the British advance toward Stanley, along with key settlements and landing sites. — Falkland Islands War The Falkland Islands War zone (left) and route of British landing forces (right).

Most Latin American governments sympathized with Argentina during the Falkland Islands War primarily due to a shared regional opposition to what was perceived as European colonialism in the Americas. Many nations in the region viewed the conflict as an opportunity to support a fellow Latin American state against a foreign power, aligning with broader sentiments against "Yankee imperialism" and European influence in the hemisphere.12

While most of the region supported Argentina, there were notable exceptions. Chile did not support Argentina, as it maintained a state of alert against its neighbor due to a separate, ongoing territorial dispute involving islands in the Beagle Channel. Additionally, while the United States initially attempted to mediate the dispute, it eventually provided full support to its NATO ally, Great Britain, by supplying intelligence and military resources.132