Argentina

Prior to the Second World War, Argentina was the wealthiest and most industrialized country in Latin America. However, vast resources and a well-educated population could not save Argentina from economic collapse in 2001. Precipitated by the Mexican economic crisis and slowdowns in Russia and Asia in the 1990s, Argentina's economy showed how vulnerable it was to outside machinations. Not all is doom and gloom. The IMF is considering a debt relief program that should help alleviate some economic hardship. In the political arena, Argentina still faces a negative legacy of the so-called Dirty War waged by the Military dictatorships of the 1970's. Despite the restoration of civilian government in 1983, the military continues to play a role in Argentina's political life.