Radical economic policies in Argentina offer lessons – but not a blueprint – for South Africa
Originally published by The Conversation – Articles (AFRICA) — Read the original article →
Economic reform is usually judged by its numbers: inflation, deficits, growth. Less attention goes to the beliefs and habits that decide whether people will accept those numbers, and for how long.
Based on my research on comparative political economy and strategy in Africa, Asia and Latin America, there’s an argument to be made that Argentina under President Javier Milei offers an unusually clear view of that psychology at work as well as useful insights into South Africa’s economic path.
Javier Milei took office in December 2023, promising a set of libertarian policies. Libertarian doctrine holds that individual freedom and free markets work best when government is kept to a minimal role, largely limited to protecting property, contracts, personal safety and free market forces.
