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Conservatism in Argentina refers to a political ideology and movement that emphasizes traditional European values, limited government intervention, and a strong national identity. Conservative political parties and organizations in Argentina generally advocate for preserving traditional social and cultural values, promoting personal responsibility, and supporting private enterprise. It can be characterized as a kind of conservative liberalism.

Historically, conservatism in Argentina has been influenced by Catholic social teachings and has often aligned with conservative elements within the Catholic Church. Conservative values in Argentina tend to prioritize the importance of the family unit, traditional gender roles, and religious institutions.

Conservative parties in Argentina have typically been associated with the defense of private property rights, lower taxes, reduced government regulation, and a belief in the importance of individual freedom and personal responsibility. They often argue for limited government intervention in the economy and favor market-oriented policies.

In terms of foreign policy, Argentine conservatism has often emphasized national sovereignty and a strong role for Argentina on the global stage. This includes a focus on protecting national industries and resources, promoting national security, and maintaining a strong military.

Social conservatives are generally opposed to abortion, same-sex marriage and gender theory. These are common themes that unite social conservatives across the whole right-wing spectrum, regardless of their differences when it comes to politics and economic policy.

Colonial era

The roots of Argentine conservatism can be traced back to the colonial period when Spanish colonial institutions and Catholicism played a significant role in shaping societal values and norms. After gaining independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina witnessed a diverse range of political ideologies and movements, including conservatism.

19th and 20th centuries

South American revolutions of the 19th century were strongly characterized by the classical liberal ideology of the revolutionary parties.

Early period

The Primera Junta was established in 1810 after the May Revolution, which marked the beginning of the Argentine War of Independence. This period was characterized by the influence of classical liberal ideology rather than conservatism.

Following the Primera Junta, Argentina went through several periods of instability and power struggles, with different triumvirates taking control. These periods were also marked by a focus on liberal ideas rather than conservatism.

Bernardino Rivadavia, who served as the President of Argentina from 1826 to 1827, pursued modernization policies but faced opposition from both liberal and conservative factions. His policies were not explicitly conservative.

Argentine Confederation (1831–1861)

The Argentine Confederation, established in 1831, brought together various provinces under a federal system. The conservative influence began to emerge during this period, as some provinces aligned with conservative principles to protect regional autonomy and traditional values.

Juan Manuel de Rosas (1829-1832, 1835-1852)

Juan Manuel de Rosas served as the governor of Buenos Aires province from 1829 to 1832 and again from 1835 to 1852. During his time in power, he implemented a regime known as the "Restoration" or the "Rosas Regime." Rosas's government was characterized by centralization of power, suppression of political opposition, and the establishment of a cult of personality around himself.

Rosas's ideology was deeply rooted in traditional values and the defense of established social hierarchies. He sought to maintain the dominance of the rural landowning elites, known as the estancieros, and the Catholic Church. Rosas upheld the authority of the Catholic Church, restricting non-Catholic practices and promoting conservative Catholic values in society.

Furthermore, Rosas pursued a policy of economic protectionism, favoring domestic industries and agriculture while limiting foreign trade. This approach aimed to safeguard the interests of the landed elites, who were heavily dependent on agricultural exports.

Post-Rosas period

After Rosas overthrow in 1852, the Confederation had different presidents who dealt with internal conflicts and faced challenges from liberal factions. Some of these presidents leaned towards conservative policies, advocating for regional autonomy and a decentralized government.

During this time period, Argentine conservatism was closely associated with the Federalist Party, which advocated for a decentralized political system and the preservation of regional autonomy. The Federalists emphasized the importance of the provinces in contrast to the centralist tendencies of their liberal counterparts.

A national Constitution was sanctioned in 1853, borrowing from the ideas of Juan Bautista Alberdi and drafted (among others) by José Benjamín Gorostiaga.

The Conservative Republic (1880-1916)

The modern era in Argentina saw the rise of conservative factions and parties with a more explicit emphasis on conservative principles.

Political scientist Natalio Botana refers to the period between 1880 and 1916 as "the conservative order". In his homonymous book, he highlights the emergence of an "oligarchy" that held significant economic and political power, primarily comprised of landowners and the urban elite. Botana traces the conceptions of society and politics held by the Argentine ruling elite in this period back to Juan Bautista Alberdi, who combined liberal notions of socioeconomic progress with conservative political values. It was Julio Argentino Roca's task to carry out Alberdian ideas into concrete politics.

Botana argues that Argentine conservatism was characterized by a defense of order, stability, and traditional values. He explores how conservatives promoted the preservation of social hierarchies, the influence of the Catholic Church, and the protection of private property. They also favored limited state intervention in the economy, embracing free-market principles.

Additionally, Botana analyzes the interactions between conservatives and other political forces during this period, including liberals and socialists. He explores the tensions and conflicts that arose from differing visions for Argentina's future, as well as the strategies conservatives employed to maintain their dominance.

Argentina experienced a complex relationship between the national and regional governments and the indigenous populations, commonly referred to as the "indio" or indigenous peoples. This period was marked by a series of conflicts, negotiations, and policies that shaped the interaction between the two.

Indigenous groups in Argentina, such as the Mapuche, Puelche, Ranquel, and others, engaged in various forms of resistance against the encroachment of the national government and the expansion of agricultural frontiers. They fought to defend their territories, cultures, and ways of life.

One significant event during this period was the military campaign known as the "Conquest of the Desert" (Conquista del Desierto) initiated by President Julio Argentino Roca in the 1870s. This campaign aimed to subdue and control indigenous communities in the Patagonia region, primarily the Mapuche and the Puelche. The campaign resulted in the forced displacement, killing, and confinement of indigenous peoples and the seizure of their lands.

Many conservative leaders and factions, such as Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, saw the expansion of agriculture, European immigration, and modernization as essential components of progress, which they believed required the displacement of indigenous communities. Conservative leaders and intellectuals sought during this period to strengthen the power and authority of the national government. They aimed to establish a centralized government capable of exerting control over the vast and diverse territories of Argentina. This centralization often involved marginalizing or subjugating indigenous populations, as they were viewed as obstacles to the consolidation of national power.

The conquest of indigenous territories allowed for the expansion of agricultural frontiers and the acquisition of land by non-indigenous individuals and companies. This expansion of private land ownership and the promotion of agricultural development were aligned with conservative economic principles. Assimilation involved efforts to dismantle traditional indigenous social structures, impose European cultural norms and values, and promote the adoption of Western lifestyles. Regional governments sometimes pursued their own policies towards indigenous populations, which could deviate from the national government's approach. Some regional governments formed alliances with indigenous communities or implemented policies that offered more protection or recognition of indigenous rights.

Infamous Decade

The Infamous Decade (Spanish: Década Infame) was a period in Argentine history that began with the 1930 coup d'état against President Hipólito Yrigoyen, of center-left extraction. This decade was marked on one hand by significant rural exodus, with many small rural landowners ruined by the Great Depression, which in turn pushed the country towards import substitution industrialization, and on the other hand, by electoral fraud to perpetuate conservative governments in power.

Revolution of '43

The poor results of economic policies of the Infamous Decade and the consequent popular discontent led to another coup in 1943, the Revolution of 1943, by the Grupo de Oficiales Unidos (GOU), a nationalist faction of the Armed Forces, which in turn would trigger the rise to power of Juan Perón.

The emergence of Peronism in the mid-20th century challenged traditional conservative forces in Argentina. The populist and nationalist movement led by Juan Perón appealed to the working class and incorporated elements of social justice and labor rights. This created a division within conservative ranks, with some conservatives supporting Perón while others opposed him due to his concentration of power and perceived threats to traditional elites.

Revolución Libertadora

Derogó la constitución peronista del 49. Agregó el 14bis

Revolución Argentina

Colorados y Azules

The Revolución Libertadora, after May bombings, put an end to Perón's rule.

National Reorganization Process (1976-1983)

Catholic nationalists and classical liberals tended to align with the government, due to their ideological differences with the Marxist guerrilla.

21th century

The early 2000s saw Argentina grappling with a severe economic crisis, characterized by a deep recession, high inflation, and a debt default. This period led to political instability and the rise of leftist and populist movements, challenging conservative forces.

Conservative forces in Argentina have been active in social and cultural debates, particularly regarding issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender identity. These debates have often highlighted divisions within society and political discourse, with conservative sectors defending traditional values and social norms.

Kirchnerism (2003-2015)

Peronism, a political movement with various ideological factions, experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s. Nestor Kirchner and later his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, both identified as Peronists and held the presidency during this period. While the Kirchners implemented some progressive and interventionist policies, they also faced criticisms for their economic management and polarizing governance style.

Kircherism governed the country between 2003 and 2015. Despite the opposition of religious leaders, including that of Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis), Argentina advanced in the recognition of gender and sexual rights during the Kirchners' administrations. Conflicts around gender and sexuality, particularly around same-sex marriage, explain some of the tensions between political and religious actors in the period. Kirchners' administrations, unlike other traditional populist or post-neoliberal administrations, had a strong liberal component, which explains the tensions between that populist government and conservative religious actors.

Argentine politics in the 21st century has been marked by deep divisions and polarized debates. Conservative factions have often aligned with center-right or right-wing parties, advocating for economic liberalization, market-oriented policies, and fiscal responsibility.

Mauricio Macri (2015-2019)

Mauricio Macri, a center-right politician, assumed the presidency in 2015, marking a shift towards more conservative policies. His government implemented economic reforms, including fiscal austerity measures and attempts to attract foreign investment. However, his presidency faced challenges, including economic downturns and criticism of his administration's handling of social and economic issues.

Evangelicals also participated in a right-wing alliance called Frente NOS, but their attempts to attract the evangelical vote based on the anti-gender agenda were not successful. In recent times, they have aligned more with the right due to historical circumstances and the right's openness to dialogue with evangelical groups. The presence of corruption in politics and the deployment of the gender agenda by the left have contributed to the intensification of hostilities between the left and evangelicals. These dynamics have led to polarization, the misrepresentation of electoral mandates, and the activation of social groupings. Evangelicals can play both a supportive and confrontational role in this context.

Alberto Fernández (2019-present)

The relationship between Peronism and evangelicals has a complex history, with evangelicals being identified as effective mediators of social policies. In 2018, a dialogue between Peronist and evangelical leaders emerged, leading to a decrease in the distances related to the abortion debate. However, the gender agenda became a divisive issue, causing some evangelicals to distance themselves from Peronism.

Patricia Bullrich

Horacio Rodriguez Larreta

Javier Milei

Victoria Villarruel

Agustín Laje

Juan José Gómez Centurión, Cynthia Hotton

Classical liberalism

https://eprints.ucm.es/id/eprint/4086/1/T19199.pdf