Argentina : a short history / Colin M. Lewis.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lewis, Colin M.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Argentina--History.

Argentina.

History.

Argentina--Politics and government.

Politics and government.

Local Subjects:

Argentina--History.

Physical Description:

260 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oneworld, 2002.

Summary:

From an inauspicious start as a muddy backwater of Imperial Spain to a global trading economy, Colin M. Lewis traces the rise and fall of Argentina in this absorbing and authoritative new history. At the heart of this rich survey is the theme of paradox: why has a country with such enormous economic potential, and such cultural sophistication, suffered so badly in recent years? Focusing particularly on the last two centuries, the author outlines all the key events, from Independence to the 'dirty war', and from the Falklands conflict to the economic and political crises of 2001, while tracing the tumultuous careers of such figures as Rosas, Roca, the Perons and Carlos Menem. Offering a penetrating insight into a fascinating nation, Argentina: A Short History explores the themes of economic growth and instability, of aspiration, achievement and disillusion that characterize the enigmatic land of the conquistadores.

Contents:

Part 1 International Context

Introduction: Defining a place in the world 17

1 The regional dimensions of national consolidation 26

2 Independent internationalism: a secure place in the global order? 36

3 Neutrality and nationalism: the cost of charting an independent course 52

4 Reaction, realism and global reinsertion: ideology versus pragmatism 65

Conclusion: Internationalism and nationalism 80

Part 2 Economy and Society

Introduction: Golden eras and missed opportunities

a Long-run perspective 87

5 Imperfect transition: the flawed belle epoque 93

6 Industrialisation and development: aspiration and obsession 125

7 Restructuring economy and society: the political economy of violence 144

8 Convertibility, poverty and corruption: a future found and lost 160

Conclusion: In search of efficiency and equity 180

Part 3 Politics

Introduction: Conflict and crisis

failure to embed a national project 185

9 A possible republic and the real republic 189

10 Class politics: parties, power and democracy 199

11 Distributional conflict: the politics of frustration 206

Conclusion: State, politics and citizenship 244.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 236-244) and index.

ISBN:

1851683003

OCLC:

50403096