Tensions are rising between Britain and Argentina ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. The Argentinians, who know the islands as “Islas Malvinas”, continue to claim them as their own, with accusations of colonialism flying from both sides.
Britain’s two latest exports to the Falklands have ramped up the rhetoric even further. Firstly, Prince William in his role as a Sea King pilot has been stationed there for a tour of duty.
Already labelled “William the Conqueror” by the Argentinean Foreign Ministry, the deployment has been interpreted as a deliberate act of provocation.
Secondly, the Royal Navy sent its most advanced warship, HMS Dauntless, to the islands. Described as being capable of taking out “all of South America’s aircraft, let alone Argentina’s”, the former First Sea Lord and Falklands veteran Admiral Lord West said that it could easily handle any “foolish nonsense” from Argentina.
With Britain’s colonial past and the remnants of its Empire scattered throughout the world it is perhaps unsurprising to learn that the Falkland Islands are but one of a number of political controversies and territorial disputes that it finds itself in to this day.