Faced with a global landscape dominated by unilateralism, Spain must urgently embrace its role as a "middle power." Antonio Tintoré, research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., argues that it is necessary to forge a "third way" that escapes rivalry between blocs. To avoid being left at the mercy of a "world of carnivores," Madrid needs to lead European integration, strengthen economic competitiveness, and advance genuine strategic autonomy.