On Argentina's historic election.

 

Historian of populism and anti-populism Ernesto Seman tells us what is happening in Argentina amidst severe economic crisis. The radical libertarian madman Javier Milei failed to win, and a second-round runoff will be needed, but politics has changed irreparably. The establishment right has been outflanked, while the left-populism of 'Kirchnerismo' is in crisis.

 

We discuss:

What is 'Peronism' and how does it occupy so much political space?

How does Milei appeal to informal workers using market ideology?

What is distinct about Latin American populism?

How is anti-populism used to denigrate the masses?

What is the role of nostalgia for the golden age in Argentina?

Reading:

In Chile and Argentina, anti-populist politics is failing, Ernesto Seman, FT

Breve historia del antipopulismo (Brief History of Antipopulism), Ernesto Seman

Ambassadors of the Working Class, Ernesto Seman

Javier Milei is not done yet, Alex Hochuli, Unherd

Javier Milei is not a South American Trump, Alex Hochuli, Unherd

Links:

/367/ Don’t Pay Them Back ft. Jerome Roos

/189/ Pink Tide Paradoxes ft. Fabio Luis

/93/ Hot Chile and Other Neoliberal Failures ft. Pablo Pryluka