1. Argentina

2. Argentina~Background Information Official Name: The Argentine Republic Population (2001): 36.02 million Ethnic Groups: European 85%, mostly of Spanish or Italian descent. Mestizo, Armerindian or other non-white groups15% Religion: 92% Roman Catholic, Protestant 2%, other 4%. Language: Spanish Education 10 years compulsory (Adult Literacy (2001) 97%.)

3. The Argentine Republic 2.8 million sq. miles 36.02 million pop. GDP $263 billion Per capita: $7,400 Growth: -4.5% Presidential democracy –Nestor Kirchner Bicameral Congress –Senate (72) –Chamber of Deputies (257) Judiciary: Supreme Court Administrative subdivisions: 23 provinces, one federal district (Buenos Aires).

5. People Descendants of Italian and Spanish immigrants. Overwhelmingly Catholic with largest Jewish population in South America. Indigenous population mainly in northern provinces. Majority of the population urbanized, half considers itself middle class.

6. History 1516 Juan Diaz de Solias visits area of contemporary Argentina. Spanish colony est. 1580 at site of Buenos Aires which becomes an important port. 1816 independence declared – San Martin most important leader of the movement. Post Spanish defeat civil conflict over future. 1853 Constitution promulgated.

7. Argentine Politics: Conflict and Charisma Conservatives and Radicals were the dominant factions in Argentine politics from independence. –Conservatives – elite controlled, hierarchically ordered political system (ex: limited suffrage). –Radicals – fair elections/democratic institutions (Union Civica Radical) Juan Peron emerges on national scene in military coup of 1943. Peron wins election 1946.

8. Military and Politics In 1930s military begins a process of modernization and professionalization. Divided on best political leadership for Argentina: –Different factions supported: oligarchy, semi- fascism, corporatism (hierarchical order based on function), became convinced it was best qualified to run government.

9. 1940s Antipathy to Allied powers. Argentine military views neutrality as good for the economy. Military impatient with corrupt, disorganized civilian politics. Class consciousness emerges among workers (military sympathetic).

10. Peronism Corporatism with a difference –Base is the working class, industrialists, military –An interventionist role for the state in the economy Populist message: promised promoting Argentine solutions while channeling material and psychological rewards to workers (previously denied). –Increased minimum wages –Encouraged strikes, stepped in to settle in favor of workers. –Reduced foreign influence in the economy –Nationalized railroads (GB constructed). –Initial results: 1946-50 GDP grew 5-12% annually.

11. Post-Peron Peron exiled in 1955 –Growing class conflict –Death of Evita (1953) –Loss of control (especially anti-clericalism) Military stewardship until 1958 –Not effective in reversing economic decline –Political parties divided (strong anti-Peron) 1958-62 transition, Frondizi administration –IMF program adopted: 25% cut in worker wages, 97% increase in income to beef industry – emphasis reversed from workers to capitalists. 1966 military intervenes determined to restructure Argentine society.

12. Military in Government Unable to successfully restructure economy Opposition develops Clandestine torture, kidnapping on part of military – opposition groups engage in terror tactics. Peron influencing system from (30 yr) exile. Returns to power in 1973 elections via Hector Campora a stand-in candidate.

13. Onset of Dirty War Peron and wife Isabel run as President/VP in 1973 (new elections). Peron ticket wins – Peron dies in 1974. Isabel unable to control the government. –Turns on supporters –Erratic changes in Cabinet –Economy out of control –Revolutionaries unchecked Removed by coup in 1976 –military allowed the situation to worsen.

14. The Dirty War 1976-1980 (82) 10,000-30,000 disappeared. Shows the ability of a well equipped government to put down guerrilla movements. Military goal was to fundamentally alter nature of Argentine society. Military expanded beyond government to social arenas (sports/charitable organizations). Falkland/Malvinas conflict discredits military.

15. Democratic Transition 1983 elections Raul Alfonsin (UCR) Radical Party leader wins. (6 year term) –Disappeared –Economic stabilization –Civilian control of armed forces –Consolidating democratic institutions –Economic stabilization package less than successful – leaves office 6 months early.

16. Carlos Menem Peronist-Justicialist (Justicialist) Party 1989 presidential election winner Reversed the role of the state in Argentine economy (privatization). Imposes peso-dollar parity. Continued with efforts to resolve “los desaparacedos” situation. 1995 wins re-election. Large public sector debt problematic in eyes of international financial community.

17. Fernando De la Rua Radical Party candidate wins presidential election in 1999. Raises taxes in attempt to deal with debt situation –chokes off domestic growth..intensifying the recession. –Economy tailspins inflation skyrockets, growth at a stop, government stops citizen access to banked monies. –Peso-dollar convertibility stops inflation but makes peso less competitive in export environment. –Chronic deficit made worse by continued IMF loaning Asian financial crisis 98 – capital outflow – panic 11/01 Riots – violence – De la Rua resigns in December 2001.

18. President(s) The Legislative Assembly moved to replace De la Rua with an interim and scheduled elections for within three months. December 23-30, 2001 – Adolfo Rodriguez Saa –Continued violence, lack of support led to his 12/30 resignation. January 1, 2002 – Eduardo Duhalde –Rising poverty, continued social unrest – government response has been to increase social programs; continue efforts at economic stabilization.

19. President(s) April 27, 2003 first round presidential elections: –Menem (PJ) 24.3% of vote –Nestor Kirchner (PJ) 22% –Ricardo Murphy 16.4% –Elisa Carrio 14.2% Menem withdraws before runoff May 25 (polling shows overwhelming support for Kirchner). Kirchner takes office May 25, 2003

20. Personalism vs Institutionalism Argentina’s political history is dominated by personalities. Institutional strength vis-à-vis individuals or organizations, such as the military is increasing but has not yet fully emerged. Military remains independent of the civilian political system as opposed to subordinate to civilian rule. Military does appear to be out of crisis political decisions – but is this because of institutional change or merely because it chooses to remain outside of these processes? Economic growth/stability still not systematic.

21. Kirchner Was Santa Cruz governor. Peronist-Justicialist Party. Wife is Senator Christina Fernandez de Kirchner Focused on increasing support beyond 22% in April 03 election. Terms are 4 years and limited to one re-election. Reforms include social efforts such as increasing the minimum wage, pensions, some governmental salaries. Economic reforms include continuing.