Abstract This paper analyzes the current economic and subsequent political crisis facing Argentina. The paper begins with a history of Argentina, from a political point of view, citing years of internal conflict as one of the causes of the current situation. The writer concludes that while there were many indicators leading up to the crisis, the hyperinflation and problems with investment and unemployment are only symptoms of more fundamental problems in Argentina.
From the Paper "Officially the Argentine Republic, Argentina is a country occupying most of the southern portion, or southern cone, of South America. Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world (it has an area of 1,073,399 square miles, roughly larger than Mexico and the U.S. state of Texas combined). The population of Argentina in July 2001 was estimated at 37,384,816. Argentina is bounded by Chile to the south and west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Buenos Aires is the nation's capital. Throughout its history and like most of its neighbors, Argentina has repeatedly been subject to rule by a "caudillo figure," or a strong leader, often from the military, who dominated the nation, usually until he was deposed or died."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion and literature review of the ongoing democratization in Argentina. The author examines the impact of human rights organizations in Argentina and how their activism has affected government responses to political issues. Additionally, the paper reviews several articles about the changing political landscape of Argentina. The author concludes that despite various reforms, democratization has a long way to go in this nation.
From the Paper "Further evidence of the challenges and obstacles faced by the unemployed workers' movement (piquetero) - in attempting to legitimize their demands and force the national government to create more jobs - is explained on pages 175-176 in John Peeler's text Building Democracy in Latin America. For one thing, in Argentine the political power (for the most part) over the past fifty years or more has been in the hands of two parties, the "Peronists" and the "radicals." Another powerful group (the National Solidarity Front, FREPASO) tried to take power away from the two parties in the 1990s, with a program of "anticorruption." But they failed. They were organized nationally, but the piquetero group has never been that organized and had that much clout. For another thing, Peeler explains is that the leadership of both parties - "especially the Peronists" - have regarded themselves as "movements rather than parties." This means that a movement tends to represent the "whole nation" and a "party" just represents one part of the nation. With two established "movements" constantly getting national power and attention, how could a third, the piquetero movement, gain a foothold in a nation so traditionally locked into those two political forces?"
Tags:Argentina, Peron, democracy, human, rights, Latin, America
Abstract This paper explores the criminal justice system in Argentina. It looks at the historical development of the criminal justice system and examines the series of transformations of the criminal justice system over the decades, resulting in corruption, military uprisings, injustice and a culture of impunity. The paper looks at the junta and human rights oppression and violence.
From the Paper "The criminal justice system in Argentina like Argentina itself has endured a series of transformations overhauls purges and coups. At present it is impossible to evaluate Argentina's criminal justice system without simultaneously plumbing the murky depths of ..."
Tags: criminal justice, argentina, junta, dictatorship, due process
Abstract This paper explains the reasons for Italian immigration to Argentina. The author presents the number of people who immigrated. The paper evaluates their adjustment to Argentinian society,as well as their status and impact on that society.
From the Paper "Immigration from one's homeland to a new country may be a common occurrence yet it is also difficult not undertaken lightly and usually happens for very good reasons, In addition immigration populations often have ..."
Abstract This report is designed to provide the investor considering entry into the telecommunications industry in Argentina with the information needed to make an informed decision on the issue. To provide a logical flow of information to support an integrated assessment process by an investor, this report is structured in major sections, each of which provides information relevant to the investment decision in a sequence that leads from a basic familiarity with the country to an in-depth review of the telecommunications provider industry in Argentina.
Outline
Introduction
Contents
Introduction to Argentina Argentina's Geographic Setting
Social Profile
Overview of the Economy
Government
Infrastructure
Macroeconomics of Argentina Macroeconomic Aggregates
Foreign Debt
Economic Outlook
Foreign Exchange and Trade Controls
Role of Foreign Trade
Foreign Exchange Regulation
Foreign Trade Regulation
Tax Regulations
Tax Rates
Special Provisions
Tax Treaties
Currency Experience
Currency Review
Argentina's Stock Market
Stock Market Review
Telecommunications Industry in Argentina Telecommunications: Concept
Privatization
Telecommunications Regulation and Deregulation in Argentina Telecommunications Companies
Telefonica de Argentina Telecom Argentina Comparing Telefonica and Telecom
From the Paper "The loss of the war brought about a popular, and relatively peaceful, revolution in Argentina, which, in turn, gained the adoption of a new constitution, and the election of a new president, Raul Alfonsin, in 1983. The revolution was not just against the outcome of the war. It was also a manifestation of the extreme dissatisfaction of the Argentine public with the terror tactics employed domestically by the military governments, and with the almost complete mismanagement of the country's economy by those governments. Argentina's current constitution is designed to provide stable, elected civilian governments. It is also designed to curb the power of the military, although President Alfonsin had to deal with several attempted rebellions by factions within the country's military establishment. In October 1989, President Menem announced pardons for 39 military officers accused of human rights crimes during the period of military rule, and announced the end of human rights trials for military officers for actions alleged to have occurred during the period of military rule. These moves by President Menem were designed to enhance the country's political stability. The new constitution also provides the government with greater powers to manage the economy than were available under the constitution of 1853, as amended."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the economic and financial risks associated with Wal-Mart's continuing investment in Argentina. It discusses Argentina's issues with inflation and interest rates, as well as the structural weaknesses of the banking systems there. The paper then assesses the political risks involved in Wal-Mart's continued investment in Argentina.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Economic Risk
Financial Risk
Political Risk
Conclusion
From the Paper "Furthermore, in January 2002, the peso was no longer tied to the U.S. dollar and the peso was floated in February 2002. As a consequence, the exchange rate plummeted and real GDP declined by 10.9 percent in 2002; however, by the middle of 2002, the Argentine economy had stabilized but at a lower level (World Factbook, 2006). During the 2-year period from 2003 to 2005, the country's GDP increased by approximately 9 percent annually, with economic growth being fueled by a resurgence in domestic demand, robust exports, and favorable external conditions (World Factbook, 2006). Although the Argentine government increased spending ahead of the October 2005 midterm congressional elections, strong revenue performance permitted the country to enjoy a budget surplus. Despite these positive signs, inflation remains a problem and has been steadily increasing; in fact, the inflation rate in Argentina reached 12.3 percent for consumer goods in 2005, but had declined to 11.1 percent by year's end (World Factbook, 2006)."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth analysis of the "dollarizing" of Argentina's economy. It describes the affects of the Convertibility Plan aimed at ending the soaring inflation in the late 80s and reorganizing the national economy. The plan replaced the Argentine peso with the U.S. dollar in the hope of eliminating the peso-dollar exchange-rate risk, lowering interest rates and stimulating economic growth. The author gives a brief overview of the economy of Argentina and its history and describes the continuous protests and national strike since 1996. The paper also looks at the "social costs" of the economic success in Argentina.
From the Paper "The "dollarizing" of Argentina's economy was the product of the genius of Domingo Cavallo, finance minister of former President Carlos Saul Menem, under a Convertibility Plan aimed at putting the country's chillingly soaring inflation in the late 80s to a sudden stop (Mark Falcoff) and then saving and re-ordering the economy as a whole. No more Argentinean money to be printed than there were dollars in circulation ? a radical measure, which worked. But it also created more trouble by raising prices above those of the United States and resulted in slow capital inflows and high unemployment rate (17% in 1997) and the consequent overthrow of President Menem after 10 years of rule.
The Convertibility Plan replaced the Argentine peso with the US dollar in the hope of eliminating the peso-dollar exchange-rate risk, lowering interest rates and stimulating economic growth (Hanke & Schuler 1999) The one-on-one rate (1 Argentine peso to US$1) induced currency stability and helped achieve free-market reforms and high growth, but this streak of genius ?proved to be more a manipulation than miracle, because it came the price of selling off national industries, services and resources (Looksmart).? These resources included airlines, telephones, railroads, subways, roads, even the control of the petroleum industry. The Plan stabilized the currency all right, but eventually damaged export trade "by shoring up the peso" (Looksmart) ?
Abstract This paper discusses how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) developed the economic policies of Argentina in the 1990?s, at which time the lending policies seemed to be ideal for the nation. It examines how since this time, many economic experts have discovered many inherent flaws in these policies, which indicate the need for change. It analyzes how with Argentina's recent default and subsequent economic demise, the IMF has been forced to reconsider its current lending policies. It shows that while Argentina may serve as a model case to urge the IMF to adopt a policy that requires less conditions and more ownership by national policymakers, as long as the IMF has an interest in human conditions, its approach to lending will still have to be made according to economic rather than political criteria.
From the Paper "Under its lending policy, the IMF required Argentina to initiate a Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), which aimed to promote the balanced expansion of world trade through the stability of exchange rates, preventative measures against competitive devaluations, and efficient correction of payments problems (Graham, 2002).
Basically, the IMF ordered Argentina to increase exports and minimize imports. By increasing exports, a member state brings in external capital, which can be used to repay its debt (Mussa, 2002, p. 312). To do this, Argentina needed to attract foreign companies for exports. The IMF required that the nation eliminate any political legislation that would prevent foreign investment, such as labor unions and minimum wage laws."
Abstract This paper examines how Argentina is a country with a high literacy rate and has emerged on the map of the world while unfolding its rich history full of historical and political events. It provides an overview of the opulent history of the country in the first part of the paper. The second part provides the contextual analysis of the country, including the educational background of the people of Argentina, their attitude towards education, the languages spoken in the country, the social status of women and their related problems, the social status of children and their related problems. The third part presents an overview of the country's economy, including its GDP, employment rate, inflation, etc. The fourth part before the concluding section of the paper presents the future implications regarding Argentina.
From the Paper "The economic conditions of Argentina can be best understood in reference with the report by CIA that writes, ?Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Over the past decade, however, the country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation, huge external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits. Growth in 2000 was a negative 0.5%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained skeptical of the government's ability to pay debts and maintain the peso's fixed exchange rate with the US dollar."
Tags: inflation, peso, dollar, agriculture, government
Abstract This paper offers a brief overview of Argentina, including population demographics, economy, political situation, and more.
Contents
An Overview of Argentina Detailed Analysis of Political Changes in Argentina From 1950 to 2000
Social Changes From 1950 To 2000
Analysis of the Degree of Social Change in the Last Half of the 20th Century
From the Paper "Juan Per"n was a dictator who ruled Argentina from 1945 until 1955 and again briefly before his death in 1973. Although Per"n, an army officer, seized power in 1944 with a group of other officers, he won an open presidential election in 1946 with the support of his hugely popular wife Eva Duarte de Per?n (Evita). His government was a populist dictatorship, characterized by efforts to raise the living standards of the urban poor, but marred by dramatic levels of corruption. He initially enjoyed wide support by the army, nationalists, the Catholic hierarchy and trade unions. However, after Evita's death in 1952, and the severe economic problems which followed the failure of his nationalist measures, he was overthrown by a coup in 1955, and sent into exile."
Abstract Argentina is a country that has experienced extreme periods of wealth and poverty. Its history is full of erratic changes in political, social and economic conditions. Most recently, following a seemingly prosperous period, Argentina plunged into the depths of an economic crisis, the worst in its history. This paper shows that there are numerous circulating theories explaining why such a disaster occurred. Some blame the IMF's initial supportive stance, which then changed to a stringent handling of the country. The paper shows, however, that most convincing is the perspective that Argentina mismanaged the neoliberal reforms it implemented at the end of the last century. This theory purports that such political, social and economic disasters were inevitable considering the ineptness of the ruling administrations.
From the Paper "The origin of such extreme measures was due to then president Menem's desperate attempt to exhibit administrative success and gain popular approval before the country's midterm elections (Starr, 2003). In essence, he was sacrificing the long-term welfare of Argentina for short term personal advances. This is characteristic of recent Argentine politics, wherein restricted vision of personal desires creates devastating repercussions on a national level. It didn't end there, however. With the privatization of government enterprises, an intense flow of foreign funds entered the country, thereby spawning additional private desires. "
Tags: menem, inflation, investment, foreign, capital
Abstract This paper highlights how the pressure placed upon Argentina by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reduce its debt and adopt conservative economic policies has enervated that country and denied it the chance to optimize its human resources. It also looks at how Argentina's leaders must be held responsible for the situation that it finds itself in.
Table of Contents:
Paper Proposal
Economic Restructuring, Argentina, and the International Monetary Fund
From the Paper "Approaching the final weeks of 2001, the Argentine government's dangerous high-wire act finally fell apart. On August 21, 2001, the International Monetary Fund recommended an $8 billion increase in an earlier $14 billion stand-by loan for Argentina. However, in late November of that year, it was discovered that the federal deficit of the Argentine government was $1.3 billion higher than the limit agreed upon three months earlier. In a precipitous move, the IMF withheld the planned-upon $1.264 billion disbursement in the first week of December, 2001. The official reason given was that the Argentine government had over-spent on domestic matters. Whether that was indeed the case or whether other factors were behind the fateful decision, the economy and government of the South American country could not survive without the withheld capital. The end result was a toppled regime and an even worse economic crisis than the previous one (Boudreau, para.14)."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining the political system of neo-liberalism in Argentina. It then discusses the economic effects of this system as well as its social effects on Argentinian society. It concludes with a look at technological advances in Argentina and how these are assisted by the political system.
From the Paper "The overriding agenda of Neo-Liberals is to reconcile the workings of market institutions with the needs of social cohesion, and claims of individual choice with responsibility to society. This remains the agenda of liberalism -- and of the parties of the center and left today. But it is courting disappointment to expect that we can learn a great deal from the liberal thinking of yesterday about how to implement that agenda at a time when economic globalization and cultural diversity are advancing as never before. In a curious twist, some who 20 years ago embraced collectivist institutions uncritically and scorned individualism as a barbaric relic of bourgeois culture are now among the most vociferous defenders of individual rights and marked reforms (Gray, 1996)."
Abstract Looking at the question of whether or not it is wise to admit Argentina into NAFTA, then, depends largely on what side of the coin one likes to look at. On an economic basis, there is some compelling logic that makes such a deal attractive. On a practical level, however, there are problems with the implementation of the NAFTA agreement. Bringing more countries into the foray simply adds more chefs to an already crowded kitchen. In the end, the proper course of action largely depends on the ultimate objectives of the agreement. If NAFTA is a stepping stone to increased multilateral trade consistent with the provisions of the WTO, then we should applaud the entry of Argentina into the mix. If, however, NAFTA is a move towards increased regionalization at the expense of broad multilateral trade, then it should be dissuaded.
Abstract This paper will probe at the trials and tribulations of the exchange stabilization program(s) in Argentina over the first half of the 1990s. This type of study could potentially draw on a number of important and directly related factors, and an even more impressive roster of indirect links. In the interests of brevity, only the most relevant factors will be drawn into the discussion. These include the nature of the stabilization programs in Argentina, the debt crisis of 1995, the debate between fixed and flexible exchange rates, the prediction of future exchange rates using spot values, and a brief mention on the other forces that are at work to undermine efforts to sustain economic stabilization in the developing economies. One of the important ones to mention is globalization, which is linked directly to factor allocation, linked interest rates, highly mobile capital, and the like.
