However, if Portugal chooses to cooperate with Spain, the power of the Iberian union is quite significant, enough to challenge even the major powers.
Unless they plan to completely sever ties, major powers like the UK, France, and Germany can only opt for a relatively moderate competition in the face of Portuguese and Spanish colonial collaboration.
After all, it's just a battle for colonies and doesn't need to escalate to the level of homeland competition. Besides the UK, France, and Germany, the remaining Dutch are not to be feared.
Even without the Iberian union, Spain alone is not afraid of the Netherlands, which is not a strong medium-sized country.
The strength of Spain is relative, and so is the strength of the Netherlands. Although Spain has declined significantly, its overall strength is still formidable compared to the Netherlands, a nation with relatively small territory and a modest population.
