Gaining Light From the Shadows: Economic Elites and the Right-Wing in Argentina in the Last Democratic Era

Abstract

The relationships between Argentine economic elites and right-wing parties and positions in democratic Argentina are multiple and heterogeneous, as is the business sector itself. The aim of this chapter is to identify key moments when the sector has become politically active promoting or leading right-wing projects, either neoconservative or neoliberal. Likewise, its objective is to discuss what type of political representation model the business sector has consolidated during this period, arguably in a transition from a corporatist model to a party one. The analysis will focus on the hyperinflation crisis and the beginning of the Convertibility (1989-1991) during the presidency of Carlos Menem; the tax conflict between the Kirchners’ administration and the agricultural sector (2008); and, finally, the recruitment of businessmen in Mauricio Macri’s cabinet (2015-2019).We focus the analysis on three dimensions. First, the passage from a dominant class position "on paper" -defending their particular interests as businessmen- to a political activation as an "elite" -with a project of social leadership-. Second, the relationship between business elites and state institutions (subordination, autonomy or overdetermination) in deploying their instrumental power. Third, the way in which business sectors develop a horizontal integration (with other political and intellectual elites) and a vertical integration (dominating the representation of the own sector). Finally, from a long-term point of view, we will try to answer the question about the relationship of these sectors with the democratic experience both as a political regime and as a social equalizer, especially after the Cambiemos administration and the recent emergence of radical right-wing leaderships.