This is a genuine question and not damning with faint praise: what period are Argentines nostalgic for? Like, not saying Argentina was never great. It’s one of the world’s great breadbaskets. I’ve been there and Iguazú Falls is great by anyone’s standard.
In the U.S., there’s nostalgia for pre-9/11, post-Soviet period when we it seemed like democracy was on the march and we were blissfully ignorant of what was coming in the 2000’s. There’s also mythologized nostalgia for the post-WWII era that I think some Trump supporters imagine (rise of the middle class, manufacturing jobs, etc.). And Trump, obviously, is also referring to a time when straight, white, Protestant men had basically all the power.
So, what era is Milei referring to? Is it before the multiple financial crises (like maybe pre-1999)? Is it more in the Bolsonaro style where he means the military dictatorship? Something they don’t teach Americans about?
Iguazú Falls may be great but it was there long before Argentina was there. I think you nailed it: when was Argentina great? By objective standards - never. In fact the Singapore/Argentina comparison is often used to demonstrate how being rich in natural resources no longer necessarily means a country will be prosperous. When you’re the poster child for economic underperformance…
When was Argentina great - in the opinion of Argentina’s old people? Back in their day of course!
I urge the world to not fall to it. Your institutions have erroded. Your safety nets crumble. You call for someone to save you. These extremists are not your heroes. We inch closer to the Dark Ages with each official elected.
Hey Argentina, I know that your establishment guys were pretty awful and Milei was sort of a Hail Mary to try and reform your economy but… you guys seriously fucked up.
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